29 December 2023 , 11:31
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Legendary chaser Frodon has been retired from racing at the age of 11.
The hugely popular jumper helped propel Bryony Frost to stardom, winning 19 of his 52 races and earring nearly £1.2 million in prize-money.
He won 11 times under Frost, most famously when they captured the 2019 Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and 2020 King George VI Chase at Kempton.
Frodon and Frost returned to Kempton on Boxing Day to attempt another victory in the Christmas showpiece.
But after making the early running he began to struggle over the closing fences and finished fifth of six, beaten 44 lengths by Hewick.
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Breaking the news in his Betfair blog, Nicholls said: “Frodon ran a good, solid race again and just hasn’t got the legs. We’ve taken the decision to retire him. We’re not going to ask him to run again.
“He’s been a fantastic horse, winning King Georges, Ryanairs, Festival handicaps and so many different races, Badger Beer Chase, you can go on and on.
“He’s been a wonderful servant since he was a three-year-old and he will have a wonderful home along with Black Corton with Bryony down on Exmoor.
“What a wonderful horse he’s been – I wouldn’t mind a few more like him. He’s finishing in one piece and Bryony is going to give him a home for life.”
Frodon excelled over fences and under Frost once she became his regular partner.
His other big successes included the Champion Chase at Down Royal, two editions of the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup, plus the Oaksey, Cotswold and Old Roan Chases.