National Winner Papillon Retired Papillon, winner of the 2000 Martell Cognac Grand National, has been retired, trainer Ted Walsh announced on Tuesday.Walsh has decided not to prepare the 12-year-old for another crack at the Aintree showpiece following the Lafontaine gelding's poor performance over hurdles at Punchestown on Sunday. 'Because I couldn't be sure he would run his race at Aintree this year I've spoken to the owner Betty Moran and she's quite happy about the decision to retire the horse,' he said.Walsh paid tribute to Papillon, who landed a massive gamble when winning the National in the hands of the trainer's son Ruby. Backed down from 33-1 on the morning of the race to 10-1 second favourite, he justified the overwhelming support by beating Mely Moss by a length-and-a-quarter. 'The horse has been absolutely brilliant for us. He's been a star for everyone associated with him,' he added.After winning the National, Papillon returned 12 months later and after falling was remounted to be last of four finishers behind Red Marauder. He missed last year's renewal.Papillon registered a total of nine victories in his career, amassing win prizemoney of 570,000 Euro.
