The Giant Bolster retired

The Giant Bolster has been retired following a 40-race career, after starring at Cheltenham for many seasons.

The 11-year-old's name is synonymous with Prestbury Park as he did some of his best work at the famous Gloucestershire venue.

Twice placed in the Gold Cup, the son of Black Sam Bellamy also won three times at Cheltenham, including the Grade Two Argento Chase in January 2014.

The Giant Bolster was runner-up to Synchronised in the 2012 Gold Cup and was beaten three-quarters of a length when third to Lord Windermere two years later.

The gelding won five times in a career that began on the Flat back in 2009 and trainer David Bridgwater felt he was underrated.

"He was probably a 'nearly' horse to everyone else, but to us he wasn't," he told PA Sport. "With luck in running, he could have won two Gold Cups.

"Had he done that, I suppose he would have been considered as one of the greats, but there is no question he has been our flagship horse for many years.

"He's given us some unbelievable days. It is like anything else, you will miss it when it isn't there."