Richard Johnson pays tribute to Menorah

The popular 12-year-old ran for the last time on Saturday, as he brought the house down to collect a fourth Oaksey Chase win at Sandown.

Johnson was in the plate for all four victories and 25 of Menorah's 29 career starts, but rather than reflect on the end of their partnership, confirmed he will now be seeing even more of the horse.

"I’d like to thank the Whateleys for kindly sending him to live with us at our farm in Herefordshire," Johnson wrote in his Betway blog.

"They’ve been huge supporters of Philip (Hobbs, trainer) and I over the years and to send me a horse like that is very special.

"He’s a lovely horse to ride in a race but also at home. It’s really important that horses get a second life after racing and we’re lucky that we live on a farm and can have him there with us.

"I don’t get many days off but when I do I’ll be riding him. The children will love having him around and he’ll be keeping Looks Like Trouble company. We’re all thrilled to have him."

Johnson hailed Menorah's performance on Saturday as one of the highlights of a career which began with a convincing bumper win in 2009, his one and only start for Thomas Mullins.

"Speaking about memories you’ll never lose, Menorah was absolutely brilliant," added Johnson.

"He took me round and I don’t think he’s ever jumped and travelled as well as he did.

"Huge credit has to go to Philip and his team for bringing him back to win the Oaksey Chase four years in a row. 

"It’s great when good horses like him can go out on a victory and there was no more fitting place to retire him.

"He got a lovely reception from the crowd and it’s really nice to see the public’s appreciation for these top horses who have been around for years."

Ben Linfoot on Menorah: "Menorah was a good ‘un. I get why he was loved. He wasn’t perfect, but he found his level. Not a heavyweight champion by any means, but the best in his weight division."

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