Twiston-Davies: Bristol began his career grey and ended it almost white

Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies and his son, jockey Sam Twiston-Davies react to the retirement of stable star Bristol De Mai.

Nigel: He ranks right at the top of my favourite horses I’ve trained

There aren’t any more races for him this season, in addition to the fact that he likes soft ground – and that seems to have stopped too! He’s 12 years old, there’s nothing left for him this season and retiring him was a very easy decision to make.

He was such a popular horse because he always tried his hardest. He galloped and jumped, which is what people like to see. And I don’t know why, but people always seem to be drawn to greys! He’s a very striking horse who went beautifully and it’s just lovely to see horses try so hard.

In terms of where he ranks in my personal favourite horses that I’ve trained, he’s right at the very top. Certainly my favourite moments with him have been those three Betfair Chase victories.

His owners have got some friends who’ll have him now. He’ll have a nice retirement, hacking around and enjoying himself. He’s got a very nice place to go to.

Sam: He’s been the most fantastic horse for the yard

He was incredibly popular because of how he went through his races. He was particularly good around Haydock and got a great following from that. His best asset was probably his jumping – he absolutely loved it and would get into a really good rhythm. And he could deal with some very testing ground better than others perhaps could.

Bristol has been the most fantastic horse for the yard, and has been at the very forefront of it for many years. He’ll be very much missed. He’s left some incredibly big shoes to fill. It’s been a pleasure to have been on the journey. He began his career grey, and he’s ended up nearly white!

I feel very lucky to have played a very small part in it; the occasional schooling and the handful of times I was lucky enough to win on him.