Veteran horse Hidden Cyclone has been retired after finishing third at Punchestown on Tuesday it has been confirmed by John “Shark” Hanlon.
The horse was trained by “Shark” his entire career who announced his retirement after returning from a year-long lay off to finish third in the two miles rated hurdle.
🏇A favourite of many, the Shark Hanlon-trained Hidden Cyclone has been retired.
🏆Owned by the Mee family, the 13-year-old was a four-time Grade 2 winner and was successful on two occasions at Grade 3 level and 17 times in all.
We wish him a long and happy retirement! pic.twitter.com/NtQfyudG1u
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) October 16, 2018
The popular 13-year-old horse won 17 of its 48 races and finished in the top four in all but 11 of his races. The son of Stowaway retires as a four-times Grade 2 winner as well as a dual Grade 3 scorer. Hidden Cyclone was extremely popular among racing fans having competed at the top level.
Owned by the Mee family, Hidden Cyclone’s effort in Grade 1 company include an excellent second to Dynaste in the 2014 Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Speaking about the famed horses retirement, Hanlon reflected on some of the horses good days.
“He had a lot of good days and even though he didn’t win it, the Ryanair Cheltenham was one day that stands out.
“And he ran really well in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle a couple of years ago,” reflected Hanlon.
Hanlon revealed that the plan now is to see Hidden Cyclone enter the world of showjumping following his retirement.
“We’ve had some great days with him and he’s won nearly €800,000. I’ve had since I bought him as a three-year-old store.
“Hopefully we’ll see him in the racehorse to riding horse class at the Dublin Horse Show next year.”
