Johnson reveals Drever relief

Trainer Howard Johnson has spoken of his relief after finally being able to pluck up the strength to retire Inglis Drever.

Connections have opted to end the gelding's racing career, which featured a historic three wins in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, after he sustained a serious injury at Newbury in November.

And Johnson, while admitting it will be hard to replace the three-time World Hurdle winner, revealed it was also a relief that he and owner Graham Wylie had now called time on his glittering career.

"I'm over the moon I've retired him," said the County Durham handler.

"I'm happier in myself now. We put shoes on him the other day, we rode him out and he didn't even want the jockey to get on him.

Struggle

"He was telling me he'd had enough. We gave him a jog along the road and I wasn't happy, so he's gone into retirement.

"He goes back to Chesters with Lord Transcend at Mr Wylie's place - one day we might hopefully find another one like him, but we'll struggle."

Inglis Drever began his career on the Flat for Sir Mark Prescott, for whom he won four races.

He was transferred to Johnson's yard in 2003, when he made a winning debut for his new team in November.

Although the star hurdler will be best remembered for his exploits at Cheltenham, he also won the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury three times from 2005-07.

Pulled up

He also powered to big-race triumphs at Sandown, Warwick, Wincanton, Haydock and Wetherby.

"He's done us proud with three World Hurdles and winning the first Order of Merit that ever was," added Johnson.

"I just hope Sir Mark (Prescott) will find me another one - he's on the case.

"I think I've done the right thing for the public and everybody.

"I don't want to go to Cheltenham against younger horses and either be pulled up or get beat 20 lengths - that wasn't for me."