Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies pay tribute after retirement of The New One

The New One, for so many seasons a shining light in the Nigel Twiston-Davies yard, ran the final race of a glittering career on Saturday with connections retiring him after he was pulled up in the International Hurdle.

There were hopes The New One could bounce back to his best in a race he had won three times previously, but it was not to be with Sam Twiston-Davies electing to remove his warrior from battle before the final flight.

Emotions ran high in the unsaddling enclosure, with Sarah Such – who owns The New One with Gino Paletta – among those wiping away the tears.

"It's a very sad day," Nigel Twiston-Davies said. "When push came to shove Sam said he doesn't have it in him anymore. He's loving life, that's the most important thing. He was a great help in getting Sam going and has been the most wonderful horse for us. He's part of the family. He's not going anywhere, we'll look after him."

From 40 starts, The New One won 20 times and amassed over £1 million in total prize-money. Of his victories, two came at the highest level – the Neptune Novices' Hurdle in 2013 and the Aintree Hurdle the following year.

Reflecting on his career, Twiston-Davies added: "We had some superb moments and an awful lot of disappointments, like the [2014] Champion Hurdle that we should have won – but we won lots of other big races."

Sam Twiston-Davies echoed his father's sentiments, adding: "I didn't think I'd feel as sad as I felt coming in but you start thinking of every happy memory you've had with him. But he's safe and sound."

Despite abysmal weather, there were spectators who braved the elements to applaud The New One as he was given a lap of honour in the parade ring.

"I wouldn't have expected anyone to come out in this weather but it just goes to show the love people have for that racehorse," Sam Twiston-Davies added.

The New One: yard favourite at Nigel Twiston-Davies'Credit: John Grossick Racing Photography

Having been a major part of the Twiston-Davies team for many seasons, The New One is regarded as one of the family, and Sam added: "He's been amazing. He's kept us together when stuff hasn't been good, and we've had blazing arguments about him as well."

When asked which of his wins stood out the most, Twiston-Davies nominated the Aintree Hurdle.

"There was Rock On Ruby and Diakali [on the far side] and he was all by himself down the stands' rail, but he fought on all the way to the line. That was one I really did enjoy," the rider said. "I've got nearly all his wins on my Sky box."

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