'He's been a great star in our family' - fairytale finish for 'amazing' Not So Sleepy as gutsy 12-year-old wins on final start

Hughie Morrison said Not So Sleepy deserved to go out on a high and that is exactly what he did, winning his 69th and final start at Newbury at the veteran age of 12.

Bred by owners Lord and Lady Blyth at their small-scale breeding operation at Lemington Grange in the Cotswolds, Not So Sleepy has become one of the most popular dual-purpose performers in training since making a winning debut on the Flat in 2014 and landed the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle twice in an unconventional but highly successful career.

A horse who knows his own mind, Not So Sleepy went into retirement in a blaze of glory at Newbury, fighting back after being headed with more than two furlongs to run to score for the 12th time. In the process he sent his career earnings through the £600,000 mark.

Not So Sleepy (Tom Marquand) powers clear in the Autumn CupCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

"He always does it on this ground," said Morrison, delighted that a 5am thunderstorm had turned the ground heavy. "I put my glasses down when one went past him but when I looked again he'd started to come back and probably won quite easily in the end. He's amazing.

"He was a bit of a nightmare as a younger horse and was always running away. Every morning he goes out first now, usually with another horse because he might stop. He goes for about 50 yards and then off he goes on his own, usually too damn quick!"

As well as his two wins in the Fighting Fifth, Not So Sleepy landed the Grade 3 Betfair Exchange Trophy at Ascot twice and the Listed Dee Stakes on the Flat.

"There's been so many pinnacles," said Morrison. "I enjoyed his first run, watching it at Tattersalls and him winning rather easily. The Dee Stakes was a great day too but dead-heating in the Fighting Fifth giving Epatante 7lb was probably his best ever performance. He's got a big fan club out there."

Not So Sleepy is set to retire at his birthplace at Lemington Grange but will be kept busy once he has had a good holiday.

"He's beautiful," said an emotional Lady Blyth. "He's been so versatile and won over hurdles as well, so he's been a great star in our family. He's now going to stay with us forever.

Not So Sleepy is led back into Newbury winner's enclosureCredit: Edward Whitaker

"We have to find something for him to do, because he's not a horse to just stand in a paddock. He's going to have a few months off and calm himself down and we'll see what we can find for him to do. Everyone knows him and everyone loves him."

Asked if they were tempted to have one last crack at the Fighting Fifth in November, Lord Blyth added: "We'd never forgive ourselves if he hurt himself. That was an exceptional performance today and we'll settle for that."

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