The Pride of Lambourn Thriving in Retirement with Mick Fitzgerald
Altior, the legendary racehorse who captured the hearts of racing fans worldwide, continues to bask in the comfort of retirement with Mick Fitzgerald in Lambourn. Now 14 years old, the gelding remains a local icon, enjoying a well-deserved life of leisure after a career that etched his name in the annals of National Hunt racing history.
Trained by Nicky Henderson, Altior's remarkable career featured an unprecedented 19-race winning streak that began with his hurdling debut in 2015. The pinnacle of his success included four Cheltenham Festival victories: the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the Arkle, and back-to-back Queen Mother Champion Chase titles. Across 26 starts, he secured 21 wins, 10 at Grade One level, and amassed over £1.3 million in prize money for his owner, Patricia Pugh.
Life in Retirement
Altior retired in 2021, sound and healthy, and has since been under the care of former Seven Barrows jockey Mick Fitzgerald and his wife, Chloe. Retirement suits the 17-hand gentle giant, but his journey hasn’t been without challenges. In January 2023, Altior survived a life-threatening bout of colic that required a critical four-hour surgery to remove 22 feet of his gut—a procedure with a survival rate of just 10%.
Thanks to expert veterinary care and the dedication of those around him, Altior made an extraordinary recovery and has since thrived in the Fitzgeralds’ yard.
The King of the Yard
“He has the life of Riley around here,” said Fitzgerald, speaking at the launch of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme at Ascot. “He wanders the yard like a big dog, stealing everyone’s hay and taunting the other horses.”
Altior’s vibrant personality remains intact as he hacks around Lambourn with Chloe Fitzgerald several times a week. His reputation precedes him in the village, where locals know to give him space to indulge in his occasional antics.
“He’s fantastic, a gentle giant who always makes me smile,” added Fitzgerald. “He’s incredibly intelligent and still very much the boss around the yard.”
A Testament to Resilience
Altior’s close brush with death during his colic scare underscored his resilience and the unwavering love of his connections. Owner Patricia Pugh remains a frequent visitor, cherishing every moment with her beloved horse.
“Pat just wanted him to survive and gave us full support to do whatever was needed,” Fitzgerald explained. “It was touch-and-go, but Altior showed the same fight that made him a champion on the track. He’s an extraordinary horse—you’d have to be to win 19 in a row and to survive what he did.”
Legacy of a Legend
As Altior thrives in retirement, his legacy endures as one of the greatest National Hunt horses of all time. The pride of Lambourn, he continues to bring joy to those around him, a living testament to the spirit of racing.