Login
Free Month
Tom George confirms retirement of Grand National stalwart Saint Are
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
By Racinguk.com staff
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.
redcar
14:35 Redcar - Monday April 17
So close, yet so far for Saint Are in the 2015 Grand National
"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.
Related posts
Five horses to follow at the Punchestown Festival on Wednesday
RaceiQ hints and tips for the Betfred 2000 Guineas
Tuesday tips: Dave Nevison has three bets across three meetings
Punchestown Festival tips: Johnny Ward fancies a 25-1 shot on Day One
Ross Millar's Punchestown tips: "He's the best horse in this field"
Featured offers
Bet £10 Get £40 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 & Get £30 in free bets with bet365
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets with Betano
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £50 in free bets in Multis with Betfair
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved