Newbury Racecourse will be the place to be this Saturday as a stellar line-up of National Hunt legends will return to parade on William Hill Super Saturday, ahead of the highly anticipated Grade 2 William Hill Denman Chase. Fans will get the chance to see some of the most iconic racehorses of recent decades, including Altior, Sprinter Sacre, Native River, Coneygree, Splash of Ginge, and Kalashnikov, as they make their way around the paddock at 2pm.
The parades, a highlight of the afternoon, offer a chance to pay tribute to these equine superstars, who not only achieved great things on the track but are also now shining in their post-racing careers.
Altior – A True Legend Returns
Perhaps the most famous of the bunch, Altior will be paraded before fans at Newbury. Widely regarded as one of the greatest two-mile chasers in history, Altior won 21 of his 26 races, including a record 19 consecutive victories. His remarkable achievements include ten Grade 1 wins, with back-to-back triumphs in the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2018 and 2019. After retiring in 2021, Altior now enjoys a quieter life at the Fitzgerald yard in Lambourn, where he is lovingly looked after by Mick and Chloe Fitzgerald.
Sprinter Sacre – The Comeback King
Alongside Altior will be the legendary Sprinter Sacre, who became a household name for his astonishing comeback from a life-threatening heart condition. After first winning the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2013, the son of Network stunned the racing world by returning to form in 2016, claiming his second Champion Chase. Now 19, Sprinter Sacre is retired and living with Vicki Roberts, where he continues to be adored by fans and is celebrated for his incredible achievements, including a Timeform rating of 192—behind only Arkle and Flyingbolt.
Native River – Newbury’s Unbeaten Champion
The 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Native River, will also return to the Berkshire track. Known for his tremendous stamina and grit, Native River remains unbeaten in five starts over fences at Newbury, including memorable wins in the Hennessy Gold Cup (now the Coral Gold Cup) and three Grade 2 Denman Chases. The 2018 Gold Cup champion, who amassed over £1.1 million in prize money, has kept busy in retirement, attending various events and parades. Last year, he was crowned Tattersalls RoR Amateur Show Series Final Champion at Hickstead.
Coneygree – History-Making Hero
2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Coneygree will also be part of the parade. Coneygree made history by becoming the first novice in 41 years to win the Gold Cup, a feat that cemented his place in the hearts of fans. Now 18, Coneygree enjoys a relaxed life in Letcombe Bassett, where he remains a firm favourite. He has found success in the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) show ring and continues to prove himself as a horse of great charisma.
Splash of Ginge – A Fairytale Story
Splash of Ginge, known affectionately as ‘Ginge’, made headlines in 2014 when he won the Betfair Hurdle at 33-1, providing owner John Neild with one of the most memorable days in his ownership career. The talented gelding, who also triumphed in the Grade 3 BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham, is now retired and cared for by his former groom Gemma McQuillan. Fans of ‘Ginge’ can look forward to seeing him parade at Newbury on Saturday, where he will undoubtedly be met with cheers from his loyal ‘Ginge Army’.
Kalashnikov – The Rising Star of Amy Murphy’s Yard
Kalashnikov, who won the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury in 2018, will also be on show. Trained by Amy Murphy, Kalashnikov provided his trainer with the biggest win of her career when he stormed to victory in the prestigious handicap hurdle. Following a successful career, Kalashnikov retired in 2023 and has since started a new chapter, competing in the RoR show ring and qualifying for the Tattersalls show series. Murphy, who has retained Kalashnikov in her care, will be riding him out on the day.
A Tribute to Retired Racehorses
David Catlow, Managing Director of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), praised the line-up, highlighting the importance of showcasing the many paths retired racehorses can take after their racing careers end. “The line-up of horses set to parade at Newbury is exceptional, not only for their past track achievements but also for the success they’ve found in their new careers,” Catlow said. “These parades offer a chance to educate racegoers and highlight the commitment to retired racehorses in Great Britain, reinforcing the importance of continued support for their second careers or retirement.”
The parade of these National Hunt heroes promises to be one of the most touching moments of the day, showcasing the enduring bond between horse and human, and the vital work being done to ensure that these incredible athletes have fulfilling second careers.
William Hill Super Saturday at Newbury on February 8 will be a day to remember, with thrilling racing action and the chance to pay tribute to the champions of the past.
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