Nicky Henderson confirms retirement of five-time winner and Champion Hurdle third Luccia

Nicky Henderson has confirmed that five-time winner and Champion Hurdle third Luccia has been retired to stud after a disappointing reappearance this month.

Luccia, who won her first four races, three of which were Listed contests, by a combined 40 lengths, returned in a Listed Mares' Hurdle at Wetherby, but the 4-9 favourite made a mistake at the second-last and was pulled up by James Bowen.

Henderson had discussions with connections and a decision was made to call time on her racing career, which yielded more than £230,000 from 12 appearances. She failed to finish outside the top three on just three of those starts.

He said: "She was fine after Wetherby, but we had a long chat with [owner] Paul Sandy and decided that it was the right thing to do."

Nicky Henderson pictured with Luccia at Seven Barrows in 2023Credit: Richard Heathcote (Getty Images)

The Pump & Plant Services Ltd-owned six-year-old enjoyed a positive campaign last season which began with a second-place finish in the Listed Mares' Hurdle at Wetherby. She was then third behind stablemate Iberico Lord in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham before landing a valuable pot in the Betfair Exchange Trophy at Ascot in December.

Without the presence of superstar neighbour Constitution Hill, she posted a career-best effort when third behind State Man at Cheltenham in March. She ended her campaign when fourth in the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle.

Henderson added: "To finish third in a Champion Hurdle was pretty amazing. She's a lovely mare and the next generation is about to arrive, but we'll miss her around the yard.

"She was in the same boat as Marie's Rock. It's sad to say goodbye, but they were both two fantastic mares and they have a second career, which is what they need to start doing."

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