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Cheltenham Festival veteran Edwardstone has been retired after finishing his career on a high. The 12-year-old has been one of the stars of Alan King’s stable over eight seasons in which he won 12 times and earned more than £800,000 for owners Robert Abrey and Ian Thurtle.

The decision was taken after Edwardstone was named leading chaser of last season at the TBA National Hunt Breeders Awards on Tuesday.

Edwardstone, who was bred by his owners, showed his potential to go to the top as a novice hurdle when he finished sixth in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle won by Shishkin.

His career took off as soon as he switched to chasing in the 2021-22 campaign when he embarked on a five race winning streak which climaxed in victory in the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham.

He added three more wins at Grade 1 level, including the 2022 Tingle Creek Chase and, in what was to be his final start in April, in the Celebration Chase.

King said: “The TBA awards was the first time that we had been together since Sandown Park at the end of the season. We had a good chat and we thought retiring Edwardstone was the right thing to do.

“He has had a wonderful career. We have had an awful lot of fun with him and we have had huge success with him. He has retired very fit and well. I hope he has a long, enjoyable retirement as he has been marvellous.

“Winning any Grade 1 is great, but winning the Arkle was terrific. The biggest buzz I probably got from him was when he won the Tingle Creek as it was a hell of a performance. He has been a wonderful horse, and it was great he could finish on a high in the Celebration Chase.

“He will be greatly missed, but he will never be forgotten here at Barbury. I think the plan is for the daughter of one of his owners to have him now. He has got to be kept active, whether it is showing or whatever, but he will enjoy an active retirement.

“My next target now is to find another one like him. It won’t be easy, but we will give it a good try.”