Champion Rainbow Bridge, the current horse of the Year, has been retired. This was announced by Eric Sands. Here's what he had to say 

In the words of Mrs Norma Rattray: “All good things must come to an end.”

Rainbow Bridge, affectionately known simply as Rainbow or RB.

I was very pleased with his effort in the L’Ormarins Queens Plate on Saturday. A perfect run in preparation for the upcoming Met.

But it is not to be. He jarred his near fore knee in the race and it has got progressively worse throughout the week. After consultation with Mr and Mrs Rattray, we have decided it is in the best interest of Rainbow to retire him. He has done us proud and his well-being is first and foremost.

A tough decision for many, but not so in the case of the Rattrays. They would never risk their Horse of the Year being seriously injured. It is an honour and a privilege to train for such owners.

After them, I spoke to Mary Slack, who bred RB at Wilgebosdrift Stud. Sad, yes, but the decision was unanimous. Rainbow deserves the best.

He will stay in my yard until he is ready to travel back to his “nirvana” at Wilgebosdrift. In the yard we will embrace his well deserved retirement.

I “found” him on the farm, as I did with my previous Horse of the Year Flobayou, and I must go searching again.

A big thank you to all his supporters. Please feel welcome to come say goodbye to The Champ.

- Eric Sands