Popular horse and fan favourite retired as trainer pays heartfelt tribute

13 February 2024 , 10:03

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Ramses De Teillee: retired from racing at the age of 12 (Image: Getty Images)

Popular grey stayer Ramses De Teillee has been retired from racing with a glowing tribute from his trainer.

The 12-year-old won eight of his 40 starts and ran with credit in the long-distance races, finishing second in the 2018 Welsh Grand National and completing the course in the 2019 Grand National despite the jockey's rein snapping.

Ramses De Teillee, who won three times at Cheltenham and twice at Chepstow, raced for the final time at Exeter on Sunday when he was pulled up in a veterans chase.

His trainer David Pipe said: "He wants to do it for you but his Achilles heel has always been in wind and it is stopping him from performing to his best."

In a wholesome tribute to the horse Pipe said: "He is a horse you can set your watch by. His enthusiasm and zest for life is infectious, he is a handful to ride at home and long-serving members of my team.

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"He is an eight-time winner from 40 career starts with eight second places and eleven third and fourth places to add to that as well. Rated 153 at best he was a little under top class but he was very good and I would certainly like a few more like him. He won over £237,000 in prize money and his attitude and will to win and try his best was second to none.

"He rarely missed a day’s work and loved his daily routine. He was a laid-back character in the stable and I looked forward to feeding him every morning as there was never a nut left from the night before and he was always very pleased to see me.

"I have a lot of wonderful cherished memories from his career and he will always hold a special place in my heart. While his long-term retirement plan is still to be decided he will have a home here for as long as he likes and he is not going anywhere for the immediate future.

"He has a huge public following and will leave a big hole here at Pond House but I cannot thank him enough. I came down to see him in his stable late last night and we shared a moment – two old grey boys together! Thank you for everything Ramses."

Jon Lees