3 minute read

£500 horse who won almost £100,000 has run his last race

Only Orsenfoolsies , the horse foaled on April Fool's Day who made dunces of those who let him go privately for just £500, has been retired after earning almost £100,000 in prize-money.

Having come into the world on April 1, 2009, he may not have attracted a bid in the sales ring as a yearling but he proved excellent value on the track through nine years of racing on the Flat and over jumps.

The consistent 11-year-old won nine of his 67 races, most notably the 2013 Victor Ludorum Hurdle at Haydock and the Braveheart Handicap at Hamilton in 2015, and was placed 18 times, most recently at Wetherby last month.

But Middleham-based Micky Hammond, who trained him for various partnerships through his career, revealed on Wednesday: "He picked up an injury when he ran at Wetherby.

"Like all of us he's not getting any younger, and we did say this time last year we'd keep him going and he'd tell us when he'd had enough – I think he's telling us.

"He was born on the first of April, which contributed to his name, and I picked him up for £500 at the Doncaster sales as a yearling. He's been with us ever since and has done really well.

"He won a good race at Hamilton and the Victor Ludorum over hurdles – he's been a special horse for the yard."

Twenty eight different jockeys rode the son of Trade Fair, with PJ McDonald proving the most successful with four wins from 15 rides, while all nine of his victories came at different courses.

Only Orsenfoolsies is set to spend his retirement with Emma White, who is general manager at Sedgefield and a long-time fan.

"I'm really chuffed," she said. "I had a bit of a soft spot for him from my days at Go Racing In Yorkshire and I'm thrilled, I can't wait to get him. 

"I wanted a real gentleman who I can ride out and hopefully we'll go hunting next year."