Record-breaker La Estrella is retired after Southwell victory

La Estrella has been retired less than 24 hours after racing into the record books at Southwell.

Just days before officially turning 13, Don Cantillon's veteran made history at his favourite circuit by becoming the first horse to win 27 races on the All-weather.

The Newmarket-based trainer reports his pride and joy to have taken his exertions in his stride, but feels the time is now right to call it a day.

He said: "The horse has been out this morning and was galloping round the paddock. The vet was here to look at another horse, he gave him a thorough examination and I'm delighted to report he's 100 per cent sound and happy.

"However, after considering it this morning, I've decided that he will now be retired. As a gesture to the horse, we won't ask him to race again.

"He's achieved so much and achieved the ultimate yesterday in breaking the record.

"The way he went down to the start and everything - he still thinks he's a two-year-old - but I want to do what's right for the horse.

"It's a great success story and it's all about the horse. I'm just the schoolteacher showing him the way, but it's really all about him.

"Tom Queally said to me after the race we could race him on through the winter no problem, but if he was to run again and get injured, that would be down to my greed and I'm not going to do that to him.

"He's given us all such an exciting time - he's been a dream horse.

"When we got him the owners were dreaming of Cheltenham, but the horse thought better of it - he wasn't too keen on those hurdles and fences.

"He'll spend the winter here with me and then we'll be looking for a good place for him to have an active retirement. That's what the horse would want."