Legendary racehorse Allaho retired from racing aged ten

The two-time Cheltenham Festival winner will now try his hand at dressage.

The owners of one of the most successful racehorses in recent years have announced his retirement at the age of ten.

Allaho is best remembered for his Cheltenham Festival winning heroics, winning an unforgettable 12-length Ryanair Chase in the hands of Rachael Blackmore in 2021 before defending his crown under Paul Townend a year later.

The impressive thoroughbred comes from strong pedigree as the son of No Risk At All, and his final career win came in the Grade 2 Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase at Thurles in January.

That win was a double-edged sword for Allaho's owners Cheveley Park Stud, as the horse picked up a strained hock injury in the race.

That knock ruled him out of the Cheltenham Festival for the second year in a row in March, and ultimately has led to his early retirement.

Chris Richardson, managing director at Cheveley Park Stud announced the decision yesterday via social media.

Dual @Ryanair Chase & four time Grade 1 winner ALLAHO has been retired from racing @WillieMullinsNH
He will be retained by @CPStudOfficial but will start a new career with Emma Vine, who will aim to compete him in the @RoRlatest program next year. pic.twitter.com/J8VTnc61II

— Cheveley Park Stud (@CPStudOfficial) September 13, 2024

Tributes have been pouring in on X for the two-time Cheltenham champion.

Trainer Willie Mullins described Allaho as "a seriously talented horse and a real pleasure to train".

Allaho was a seriously talented horse and a real pleasure to train for @CPStudOfficial

His two @Ryanair Chase wins @CheltenhamRaces were exceptional.

He starts a new career with Emma Vine to compete in the @RoRlatest programme next year.

We wish them all the best ☘️ pic.twitter.com/CfRb1PzVrn

— Willie Mullins (@WillieMullinsNH) September 13, 2024

Jockey Paul Townend wrote: "He was a massive, massive horse and every time you got the leg-up on him you got a shock as to how physically big he was. He was absolutely huge and just had so much size and scope."

He added: "He demolished two decent Ryanair fields, but I suppose it was the day he won the Punchestown Gold Cup up in trip that was probably his best performance. He was able to cover so much ground at his ease and gave us so many brilliant days. He will be sorely missed."

Happy retirement to the mighty Allaho!

What an absolute beast he was, Punchestown is still one of the best performances I've seen live from a horse, a proper demolition job! 🤯😍

Enjoy the chilled life now pal, you've well and truly earned it! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

🔴⚪️🔵 pic.twitter.com/icpUfUMIEA

— James Woods (@WWWoodzy92) September 13, 2024

Happy Retirement, Allaho!
A true monster of a horse, from *that* Ryanair performance to this Punchestown pummelling! He’s been a star for @CPStudOfficial!
pic.twitter.com/UZME3A5Fh9

— Kieran McHugh (@KieranMcHugh14) September 13, 2024

Happy retirement, Allaho! 🌟

🏇 20 runs
🥇 10 wins
🏆🏆 Ryanair Chase
🏆 Punchestown Gold Cup
🏆 John Durkan Memorial Chase
🏆🏆🏆Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase
🏆 Clonmel Oil Chase
💰 £798,539 in prize money
⭐️ A superstar for @WillieMullinsNH and @CPStudOfficial

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 13, 2024