Sceau Royal goes into honourable retirement on the eve of his 12th birthday

January 1

Paradias, who ran a smashing race in unsuitable ground at Newbury on Saturday, remains an exciting young prospect, both for hurdling and the Flat, but, while we dream of the future for him, all of us at Barbury reflect of the past achievements of the much-loved Sceau Royal, who went into retirement on the eve of his 12th birthday.

Alan will doubtless file his own tribute to Sceau Royal in his Racing Post Weekender column this week, but part-owner Simon Munir revealed the not-unexpected news on X (Twitter) over the week-end.

Sceau Royal, winner of 17 of his 54 races, amassing £724,000 in the process, ran for the last time when fading up the straight to finish unplaced behind Champion Hurdle winner Constitution Hill at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Munir, who owns Sceau Royal in partnership with Isaac Souede, said:”We have decided that the time was right to call it a day. Sceau Royal leaves us with some magical memories, winning 11 times over hurdles and six over fences, which included five Grade 2’s, plus the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown.

“Sceau Royal was a wonderful flag-bearer for us and deserves an honourable retirement, and he has joined a family in Exmoor, where he will be show-jumping and also embark upon an ROR programme.”

Jockey Daryl Jacob enjoyed a brilliant association with Sceau Royal, and was aboard right from the start of the gelding’s remarkable career with Alan, starting off when partnering him to an easy victory in a juvenile hurdle at Warwick in 2015.

Jacob said:”Sceau Royal was my best friend. He had heart, ability, willingness, bravery – everything, He was my winning-most horse (15) and I will cherish all of those days we had together. Alan and the team did a fabulous job, and I’ll miss Sceau Royal – enjoy your retirement, buddy.”