Marie’s Rock, Cheltenham Festival Champion, Retires

Marie’s Rock, a remarkable achiever and the first horse owned by Middleham Park Racing to secure multiple top-level victories, has officially been retired. The nine-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson, reached her pinnacle in the spring of 2022, triumphing in the Mares' Hurdle at both the Cheltenham Festival and Punchestown Festival.

Demonstrating her versatility, Marie’s Rock showed commendable form on the Flat during her final outings, narrowly missing victory in Listed company at Bath earlier this month. She is now set to transition to life as a broodmare and will be presented at the Doncaster sales. Remarkably, she was purchased for just €35,000 in 2018.

Tom Palin from Middleham Park remarked on her exceptional career, noting that she always communicated her needs and readiness for retirement. At nearly ten years old and approaching the breeding scene, her current timeline allows potential buyers ample opportunity.

Her impressive performances, including a second-place finish in a Grade One race, reflected her tenacity and fighting spirit, earning her a cherished place in the hearts of her owners.

Palin added, “She delivered an extraordinary journey for us, achieving dreams we never expected, especially after setbacks we faced. With her two Grade One wins—more than any other horse in our history—Marie’s Rock will always be a treasured part of Middleham Park.”