Blue Lord won three times at Grade 1 level and excelled over two miles at Leopardstown and Punchestown for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede
Willie Mullins has posted his own tribute to one of his star jumpers after his retirement was announced. The record-breaking champion jumps trainer trained Blue Lord for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, whose horses are distinguishable by their double green silks.
Blue Lord won on his first start for Mullins, scoring in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown. He had been bought in France for £30,000 and went on to win more than £385,000, which included six successes over fences.
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The gelding competed at three Cheltenham Festivals but fell at the last when booked for second place in the 2021 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and finished third in the Arkle Trophy 12 months later.
Blue Lord saved his best for events closer to home, winning the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown in 2022, the Grade 1 novices’ chase at the Punchestown Festival and posted his last victory in the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown in December 2022.
He went on to finish third in the Champion Chase at Punchestown in 2023 and the Ascot Chase in February this year but was pulled up at Aintee and Punchestown.
Announcing the news Munir posted on X, “We have decided to retire Double Green stalwart Blue Lord, winner of eight races including three Grade 1’s the ten year old son of Blue Bresil can now enjoy a well earned retirement!”
Mullins issued his own tribute and said: “Blue Lord has been an amazing horse for Simon and Isaac and a great flag bearer for the double green colours.
“He was a pleasure to train and given us some great days at the track. We wish him all the best in his retirement.”