2007 National hero Silver Birch retired

SILVER BIRCH, winner of the 2007 John Smith’s Grand National, has been retired following his run at Aintree last week.

The 13-year-old bowed out after completing the course in 12th place in the John Smith’s Topham Chase on Friday after only being a reserve for the big race itself.

Connections feel it is the right time to call time on his career and the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding will spend his days at owner Brian Walsh’s Rheindross Stud in Kilcock, Co Kildare.