Horse Racing: Fears over Monet's Garden

Popular chaser Monet's Garden has been retired and "is battling away for his life", said trainer Nicky Richards.

The bold-jumping grey, who turned 13 on New Year's Day, is critically ill after suffering an infection in a foot. He was last seen winning the Old Roan Chase for the third time at Aintree in October, but it was reported after the race that he had a problem with a foot. The injury became infected in the navicular bone area, which required several operations, but the wound has taken far longer than anticipated to heal.

Richards said: "The old horse is battling away for his life. It has been a hell of a job trying to close this infection down. The navicular bone became infected and it's into the flexor tendon as well and the infection is taking some closing down. The lady looking after him has done a fantastic job."

Richards added: "We've searched worldwide and we've been in contact with everybody looking for a way to treat it and this girl seems to have everything covered. She really has tried her best. He's had the best treatment available. Regarding his racing career though, that's over. We are just trying to save the old horse now, he's still at the vets."

The gelding, well known to Scottish racegoers, began his career in an Ayr bumper in 2003 and ran out a half-length winner. He then won his first two races when switched to hurdles, but he mainly excelled over fences. Monet's Garden was triumphant on his first two starts in his novice campaign before finishing runner-up to Voy Por Ustedes in the Arkle, after which he landed a Grade Two event at Ayr.

The following season he won the Grade One Ascot Chase and finished fourth in the Ryanair before striking gold in the Melling Chase at his favourite course, Aintree. He also beat Kauto Star in the 2007 Old Roan, but did not win again until the Peterborough Chase of 2008.

A 2009 victory in the Old Roan, and possibly a career highlight win in last year's Ascot Chase, showed age had yet to catch up with the popular chaser.

He then illustrated back at Aintree in October - his first start of the season - that all of his ability remained intact when victorious for a third time in the Old Roan.

Monet's Garden won 17 of his 32 races, including five out five on Scottish courses.