COPPER KNIGHT

COPPER KNIGHT

Today is going to be a hugely emotional day for everyone here at Habton Grange. Copper Knight will line up at York for his 128th and final start of his career, in the race named in his honour. Win, lose or draw he will be officially retiring from racing after a decade on the track. 

When he arrived in the yard as a 2YO from the horse in training sales, we couldn’t have imagined the career that was still ahead of him. He was purchased for just 5,000gns by William back in 2016 and his talent and love for the game was evident from the day he landed at Habton Grange. He’s given everything for this yard, winning on 19 occasions (20 total career wins), a record 7 of those wins coming on the Knavesmire at York.

The yard truly won’t be the same without him, he’s been part of the furniture here for so long. A firm favourite of the main yard, he has always been very popular with visitors during the Malton Open days. We are sure there will be many racegoers in attendance tomorrow to give him a fabulous send off as he takes his final bow on the track he loves like no other. Small stature but big in heart, what a legend of a horse.  

Words of Tom Denham, on behalf of the Denham family (Ventura Racing) 

“Over the past three or four years we have been asked a question countless times. ‘Is this going to be Copper Knight’s last year?’ Finally, the answer to that question is yes.

As I’m sure many owners will attest to, finding a horse that will win any race is no easy task, let alone to be lucky enough to be involved in one that would win 19. Copper is a testament to the care and skill of the Easterbys and their team. There is a reason you see so many of their horses continuing their racing careers into double figures.

The ride this horse has taken us on has been like no other. Four generations of our family have been to the races to cheer Copper on. My son's first visit to a racecourse, at just over a month old, was to Pontefract last year to see Copper win on a very special day that will live long in the memory. I look forward to the day I can take my son to see Copper’s plaque at York and telling him all about this special horse.

We couldn’t think of a better way for him to go out than in his own race at York. There are many more fantastic years ahead for Copper in this next phase of his life. To everyone who has looked after him, ridden him, travelled with him and cheered him on over the years: thank you. And, to Copper, enjoy your retirement - you little legend. You've earned every bit of it!”