Murphy pays tribute to Brave Inca on retirement

Colm Murphy has hailed Brave Inca as "one in a million" after announcing the retirement of the 2006 Champion Hurdle winner.

Connections have decided to call time on the popular 11-year-old's career following a below-par run at Punchestown last week.

The 10-times Grade One winning gelding, owned by the Novices Syndicate, was last of the nine finishers behind Fiveforthree in the Ladbrokes World Series Hurdle.

"It definitely was a tough decision to make," said the Co Wexford trainer.

"He's been some servant to us. But after the last day, we know he's had his fair share of little problems and all the wear and tear. So after speaking to the owners, the vets and everyone concerned, I think it was the right thing to do.

"He's been one in one million and we've had some fantastic days with him.

"Cheltenham provided us with some of the highlights, without a doubt. To have a winner over there is unbelievable.

"Winning the Supreme Novices' there was something special as it was the first time for us and having the Champion Hurdle there was incredible.

"To win the Irish (Champion Hurdle) this year was beyond our wildest dreams. To get him back and win that at the age of 11 shows what a fantastic horse he has been."