Chance retires from the training ranks Dual Gold Cup-winning trainer Noel Chance has sent out his last runner, but says he retires with "great days and no regrets". The Lambourn handler is handing in his licence this week after a long and illustrious career, highlighted by victories with Mr Mulligan (1997) and Looks Like Trouble (2000) in the blue riband event of National Hunt racing at the Cheltenham Festival. He has already saddled his last runner, Gores Island, who was unplaced at Plumpton earlier this month Chance, 61, first took out a licence in his native Ireland 38 years ago, training on the Curragh before moving to England in 1994. As well as his two Gold Cup heroes, Chance's other smart performers included Flagship Uberalles, River City and Murphy's Cardinal. "It's very difficult to compete at the top level. One of my main owners died a couple of years ago and when he went, the recession came along and we just found it increasingly harder to attract that type of owner," said Chance. "We're down to just over single-figures, so it didn't make sense to continue. "My last runner has gone. It was in a boys' race at Plumpton a couple of weeks ago, Gores Island. I'm finishing up at the end of this week. I won't have any more runners. "I don't know what I'm going to do. I'd like to stay in racing in some capacity. "This is not a knee-jerk reaction. I've thought about this long and hard for well over a year. I got rid of a few horses in the last couple of weeks and knew they weren't going to be replaced so I said to myself this is the time. "We've had great days and no regrets. Obviously winning two Gold Cups would be the highlight. I also had Flagship Uberalles on my list for one year and he won the Tingle Creek. "I've had marvellous days and met marvellous people and had exceptional owners over the years. I'm leaving with a very good taste in my mouth. "If I had to live my life over again I would do the exact same."
