Geos

Geos is considered one of the most talented racehorses to intermingle hurdling and chasing at the highest level in recent seasons, after he was on Sunday retired from active service at Nicky Henderson`s stable. Although he consistently achieved success in superior grades, including a Christmas and Bula Hurdle and a Castleford Chase, Geos will be best remembered for a remarkable double strike, four years apart, in Newbury`s Tote Gold Trophy. His first success inthe toughest of handicap hurdles came when he overwhelmed Copeland by ten lengths in 2000. He didn`t reappear in the race until last year, when he nailed Rooster Booster at the post.

"Very few manage to achieve so much in Graded races mixing fences and hurdles. Apart from a superb win record, he was fourth in both a Champion Hurdle and a Champion Chase. Geos always gave his best, and such a record is a tribute to both horse and trainer."

Geos retires at the relatively early age of ten, but remains healthy and sound.

James Stafford, who runs the Thurloe Finsbury syndicate, which owned Geos, explained: "He has given us such wonderful times we didn`t want to be in a position where might struggle on to old age competing off impossible handicap marks. He was sound throughout, and we wanted him to sign off that way."

In retirement, Geos will remain at the Seven Barrows yard where Henderson trainers. A relative of Katarino, he had started his career in France where he won over hurdles. In 41 lifetime starts Geos won ten times and earned £386,062.