Sublimity to retire tomorrow Sublimity, winner of the 2007 Champion Hurdle, is to retire after contesting the Motivate Challenge supported by Failte Ireland Hurdle at Punchestown tomorrow with his trainer Robbie Hennessy expecting a big run from the 11 year old. Philip Carberry, who partnered Sublimity in most of his hurdle outings, is to take the ride and Hennessy, whose father Bill Hennessy owns the gelding, said “on paper he has plenty in his favour and while he’s had a few niggley problems in recent times, otherwise he is in good shape.” “His breathing has become gradually worse every year and while the suspensory problem he suffered in his front leg over a year ago is fine now, his body isn’t doing what his brain wants him to do any more!” “He has been a brilliant horse for us and owes us nothing. I was there the day we bought him in 2004 (for 32,000Gns at Tattersalls (Newmarket)) and he gave me my first winner, which was in the Grade 1 Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown. He always jumped hurdles too low and fast to every think about sending him chasing.” “After tomorrow, he’ll stay with me here in the yard and Majella Brennan, who rides him out every day, will be riding him in the RDS for the Ex-racehorses Class hopefully later in the year.” Sublimity is the winner of nine of his 35 races todate, having gained wins in two Listed races on the Flat and two Grade 1 hurdles, including when famously defeating Brace Inca in the 2007 Champion Hurdle. Hennessy's other runner at Punchestown tomorrow is Mister First, a point to point winner on his only start three weeks ago, in the concluding bumper. The trainer stated "we bought Mister First from the same yard as Solwhit was bought from, on the French/Belgian border, and while it took a while for the penny to drop, he goes well and we are expecting a big run." Thomas Weekes
