Quedillac retired at end of the season
Stuart Penny who trains near Henstridge has announced the retirement of his grand old servant Quedillac at the age of fourteen after his last race at Holnicote in May. Bought in 2011 by the redoubtable and loyal supporter of Stuart’s stable, Isle of Wight owner Hazel Goody, after one of her famous shopping trips to the yard of Tim Vaughan in Wales the gelding has been a standing dish at his favourite racecourse Larkhill for seven consecutive seasons.
Previously the winner of an Irish point to point at Dawstown and a Hurdle at Wincanton and a Chase at Ffos Las he made his debut for Stuart in December 2011 when ridden by Robbie Henderson at the much missed course at Tweseldown. His next outing in January 2012 was in an Aga Ladies race at Larkhill when he was partnered by champion lady rider Gina Andrews. Recalling that ride Gina said ‘I remember Stuart told me to ride him to get the trip and he was a brilliant jumper with plenty of speed and an ideal Ladies horse. He was a great little horse.’ This was to be the first of four victories Gina was able to enjoy with him and began a partnership which was to last for three seasons. In total Quedillac won seven point to points six of which were at Larkhill and the other at Ston Easton. He raced forty one times in points plus two Hunter Chases for Stuart and never fell in any of those races.
Latterly he has been employed as a schoolmaster for Ed Doggrell and more recently his younger brother Tom and has given both of them an invaluable start in their respective riding careers. He has been a credit to Stuart and his assistant Teona throughout his long career with them and a long and happy retirement is wished for this very popular gelding.