'It's been an absolute pleasure' - O'Keeffe pays tribute to retired Sam Spinner

Trainer Jedd O'Keeffe has confirmed the 2017 Long Walk Hurdle winner Sam Spinner has been retired after pulling up in Thursday's Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle.

Three months later, Sam Spinner started 9-4 favourite for the Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, but finished fifth behind Penhill. His Long Walk victory was his last over hurdles.

A novice chasing campaign last season resulted in three more wins, including the Grade 2 December Novices' Chase at Doncaster, but an injury ruled him out of the rest of the season.

This season he has finished just once in three starts when a 52-length last in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury.

O'Keeffe tweeted: "It is with some sadness, but with much more joy, that we can announce the retirement of the very precious Sam Spinner.

Watch Sam Spinner win the 2017 Long Walk Hurdle

"Whilst we will greatly miss the thrill of having him as a racehorse, the fact that he retires sound and able to try new challenges, gives us great satisfaction and happiness.

"I think I speak for all of us involved that it has been an absolute pleasure to own, train, ride, groom, shoe and nurse such an amazing animal.

"Of course, as with most racehorses, there have been some disappointing days, however for the sheer euphoria and elation Sam gave us on the good days, we at Highbeck Stables will be eternally grateful.

People's favourite: visitors get the chance to meet Sam Spinner and Jedd O'Keeffe during the Middleham Open Day on Good Friday 2019Credit: Louise Pollard

"The whole experience of training such a talented equine athlete with a great character has been a gift for us. Thank you, Sam."

Sam Spinner was not the only high profile horse retired after Thursday's Cheltenham Festival action. The 2019 BetVictor Gold Cup winner Happy Diva, who finished 11th behind The Shunter in the Grade 3 Paddy Power Plate, was also retired.

Trainer Kerry Lee tweeted: "Happy retirement Happy Diva. Honoured to have trained such a classy, talented and gutsy mare. The ultimate trier. Looking forward to some Mini Diva’s in the future #HappyDiva."

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