Tom George confirms retirement of Grand National stalwart Saint Are

Tom George has announced the retirement of Saint Are, who was brought down in the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.

The David Fox-owned 12-year-old, who was placed in the 2015 and 2017 renewals of the great race, came to grief at the Chair on what was his fifth appearance in the National.

Saint Are in full flow over the Grand National fences (PA)

After initially being treated on the track, he was taken back to the stables for further assessment and returned home to Gloucestershire on Sunday.

George reports Saint Are in great order but said he will now enjoy "an active retirement".

The Slad handler said: "The team here at Down Farm are delighted to report that Saint Are (Arnie) is back home safe and sound after being brought down in the Grand National on Saturday.

"Arnie returned on Sunday morning from Aintree and was in his usual paddock that evening having a buck and a kick.

"Career-long owners David Fox and partner Lystra Adams' priorities have always been his well-being.

"Thus (they) have taken the decision to let him enjoy an active retirement after a summer at grass here at Down Farm.

"It is yet to be decided in which sphere, however, he is sure to excel in whatever is chosen.

"He had an unbelievable record around Aintree, winning the Grade One Sefton Novices' Hurdle and the John Smith's Handicap Chase at the Grand National Festival, and of course finishing second, third and ninth in the Grand National.

"Happy retirement, Arnie!"

Adams, a model, pictured above, spoke to Racinguk.com before Saint Are ran on Saturday and described what it was like watching him run at Aintree.

“Oh my God, it’s nerve wracking because of the big fences," she said. "I scream from start to finish. When he came in third last year I was running up and down everywhere. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Saint Are won five times from 45 starts under Rules and earned nearly £500,000 in prize money.