SARA Bradstock hailed Coneygree after the 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner was retired amidst emotional scenes at Ascot on Saturday.

The decision was made after the 12-year-old was pulled up before the second-last fence by jockey Nico de Boinville in the Listed Keltbray Swinley Chase.

A tearful Bradstock, who trains the gelding with her husband, Mark, at Letcombe Bassett, near Wantage, said: “I think he has just told us that enough is enough.

“He had a lovely time and then when they quickened I know from riding him at home his engine is still there, but I think the wear and tear and injuries have just got the better of him now, so we will call it a day.”

Coneygree, led by the Bradstocks’ daughter, Lily, was then warmly applauded by racing fans as he completed a lap of honour around the parade ring.

Sara continued: “I am only sad because he loves it. He still thinks he is a racehorse.

“You could see all the way round, instead of being able to cruise round, he was trying. He is a complete miracle, and he is still here - that is the most important thing.”

Bred by Bradstock’s late father, Lord Oaksey, Coneygree became the first novice since Captain Christy in 1974 to win the Gold Cup on just his fourth start over fences.

Sara said: “We bought the mare (Plaid Maid) for a couple of grand to breed something for my dad. Carruthers was the first foal, then him and then Flintham. It is a fairy-tale and hopefully it gives everybody hope.”

He won nine of his 18 career starts, earning a staggering £526,589 in prize-money, and Sara added: “I almost don’t remember the Gold Cup because it was all so stressful, but I think when he won (the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase) at Kempton and just romped away from them it was very exciting to suddenly realise just how good he was.

“The Gold Cup was just incredible because everyone said he couldn’t do it,” Sara added.

“But this horse is the king. He is not scared of anything. You could ride him down Pall Mall, so the Gold Cup was never going to worry him.

“We gave it a go - and thank God we did. He was already fragile then and he had already had a stress fracture.

“He will come home, and we will make sure he is okay - then we will do something with him.

“We might do a bit of the Retraining Of Racehorses programme with him. There is a good home for him here - and he will never leave my side.”