Hollie Doyle has paid a glowing tribute to Glen Shiel (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) after the horse who provided her with a breakthrough Group 1 success was retired on Thursday.
The pair combined to strike in the 2020 Champions Sprint on Champions Day at Ascot. However, the 8-year-old suffered a setback in training this season, after which a decision was taken by the connections of the Archie Watson-trained speedster to bring the curtain down on his glittering career.
“He's a star and he is a horse I'll also hold very close to my heart as he gave me my first Group 1,” Doyle reflected.
“He owes nobody nothing and I'm just glad he's going to have a happy retirement. He's a horse who has performed consistently at the top level for the last two years.
“It was crazy how he went from being a good handicapper over a mile to being a Group 1 sprinter. They don't usually get quicker with age, but he did his career the opposite way around.”
Doyle added, “He loved Ascot, he tried so hard for you and that Group 1, he only won because he has the heart of a lion. There's a few pictures of him at home, anyway!”
Glen Shiel also provided Watson with a breakthrough top-level triumph as a trainer.
He said, “Glen Shiel has meant the world to everyone at Saxon Gate. He gave us our first Group 1 win at Ascot in 2020 and has been so tough and consistent in sprints at the highest level.
“He is the kindest horse and can now look forward to the long and happy retirement he deserves.”
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