Moscow Flyer retires but the legend lives on

MOSCOW FLYER’S glittering career is over, but the overwhelming emotion in the legend’s camp last night was one of relief.

While all those associated with the horse from owner Brian Kearney, through trainer Jessica Harrington and groom Eamonn Leigh felt beforehand that Moscow could have gone out with a bang instead of a whimper, they were all relieved to be bringing him home to a deserved retirement.

The two-time winner of the Queen Mother Champion Chase had certainly looked a picture in the pre-parade ring, where Leigh had fussed over him with typical affection, but his defeat by Newmill was tempered as much by relief as disappointment.