Spoils shared in Merit race
The pair were expected to clash in the betfred Celebration Chase, with Royal Shakespeare making his fencing bow in an attempt to hold on to his narrow lead in the overall standings.
Steve Gollings’ charge and Monkerhostin had already bagged £50,000 each for claiming the top hurdler and chaser awards respectively but the latter could have taken the title if he finished fifth or better at the weekend.
Lincolnshire-based Gollings said: “From my point of view, I never intended for the horse to run.
“My owner instructed me to put him in the race but we then had a long chat about it over the weekend and decided not to enter.
“The horse is fine, absolutely 100%, but John Webb and I have decided to rough the horse off now and give him a thoroughly deserved break.
“He’s done us proud this year and the welfare of the horse always comes first.”
Royal Shakespeare has scored 87 points this season, two more than Monkerhostin, after a string of creditable performances in top-class company.
Although he has only won twice this term, Gollings feels his stable star deserves praise for his durability.
“He’s only really had his ground once this season, when he won the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton, so he’s shown what a tough and consistent horse he is,” he added.
“I don’t know what the plans will be for next season yet, that is something that we will have to discuss over the summer.”
Monkerhostin is also set for a relaxing spell away from the track following a campaign that has seen him finish second in the King George VI Chase and sixth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Despite being entered for the Grade Two contest, trainer Philip Hobbs ruled the nine-year-old out of the race.
“The owners have come to an agreement and the staff from both the yards will now be rewarded,” he said.
“It really came down to the fact we didn’t want to run Monkerhostin again as he has had a long, hard season and deserves a rest.”
BHB marketing director Chris John underlined the horses’ well-being was the top priority and praised the decision to put their welfare first.
