Both Arko & Russell retire to stud

Santa_Claus

Santa_Claus

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http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/269606.html

Only just seen this and it quite surprises me that they are retiring both to stud at Olympia, especially as Arko is still winning some very big classes (and therefore also prize money) although they have both jumped at a high level for quite a few years now (I know Arko is 14 but how old is Russel?). Will be a shame as really did enjoy watching both especially Arko who really did make it look easy at his best.

So what rides does Nick have now? I have seen a few here and there but nothing really at the top level yet unless missed some!

A great loss to the British team but they could never go on forever and they both have lucrative stud careers ahead no doubt!
 
omg!!! noooo
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poor Nick
 
Perhaps due to his previous injury they feel a higher workload would have been damaging? Not sure, but I did wonder what Arko's foals have turned out like so far, does anyone have any or know of any?

Both gorgeous horses though. Hopefully Nick has some good ones coming through.
 
Arko is possibly the most beautiful horse I have ever seen. He is an absolute pleasure to watch. Im sure he will produce some gorgeous and talented foals, but it does seem a shame we wont see him competing for much longer.
 
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I know Arko is 14 but how old is Russel?

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Russel is 13.

Both horses have jumped at the top of the ladder and proven that they are capable of top international results. Combining a busy breeding season with a busy competitive season is very hard on any stallion. Neither of them have anything more to prove as competitors, so I can fully understand why they have been retired. Its now time for them to prove themselves as producers of top potential showjumping horses.

I wish them both a happy retirement.


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Arko is 14 and Russel is 13.

A real shame to lose them both...they've been great servants to Nick over the years and I fear this could be the start of Nick's retirement also
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I believe he has at least one very good youngster coming through. It should have been jumping in the HOYS novice classes this week but due to a clash of dates may not be.....BUT....you can't replace Arko overnight. He's won around the £1m mark now and is top of the leaderboard going into the final GCT leg next week. Such a shame he never got the Olympic prize I feel he deserved but then neither did Milton.

He does have some promising youngsters out competing already but only time will tell.

At least they're both retiring fit and healthy and not being driven into the ground
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My favoutite picture of him is this one :-

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I know someone who has a nice 6yo Arko mare in foal to Handel. He is looking to sell it reasonably priced so I should think he will be pleased that Arko is in the news. I bet he know about this at the begining of the week otherwise he is very lucky
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I am gutted to hear that both are retiring
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Was rather hoping when the time came and Arko retired we would at least have Russell out and about to watch for another year or so.
The picture of him over those rails is the best picture of him he is such a stylish jumper and is flying over that!
 
yes u are correct it is to finish arko while hes at the top after previous injury and go to stud and russel retired as he got hurt at olympics... they both have super youngstock , young and already competing
 
I was stabled opposite to Archie - Arko, at Athens Global Tour last year, as a stallion he is a complete petal, no screaming - my mare was stabled opposite him. He's right cheeky in the warm up though, big character and a true classic jumper! Would be lovely on a fine blood mare - Argentinus produces big old stock with lots of power but if you have a mare who jumps 1.35m or more and has a little bit of thoroughbred blood in her third generation then get Archie on the job - you could end up with something really nice !
 
yes very true my boss owns them both archie n russ............ but unfortunatly all mares are inspected and not to many from england.. russ is at stud at present x
 
I own two homebred 4 year old colts by Arko.
Both have wonderful temps and a very good jump in them
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both my mares were inspected. I also bred a foal by Concas - although Concas is now owned by Z and I think I am right in saying - has been gelded.

Sadly the mare I sent to Russ a few years ago didnt take - but I have purchased a new, beautifully bred, Grade A mare this year - so maybe will think about Russ again
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Do you work for Lisa vodkaredbull ?
 
yes amelia :-) i love russ young ones we have qite a few,3 lvely cuin 4yods this year coming.... just very annoying all these people doughting archie and his commitmeant etc, he only ever stopped wiv injurey not anythink else and as for ugy pug i mean have they any brains of qaulity lol, gd luck wv your mare x
 
I have a lovely story of when my best friend had a super Celano gelding. Broomie had been watching him for a couple of years and after he had jumped his first trial asked her if he could bring someone down to have a sit on the horse.

Well we are all fairly amateur, so practically fell over when Nick got out of the passenger's seat of the car. For one thing, this was in 2004 and straight after Athens. To watch Nick ride this horse was awe inspiring.... and the ultimate compliment was when he dismounted he said "You know? This would go alongside Arko".

Just to watch Nick ride at home on our manage was freaky, and he is an ultimate jockey - his bum did not touch the saddle once.... amazing!

To an extent I think the horse went to the right home in the end, apparently there was some sort of contract that at that time Nick could only ride for the Hales, but the horse lives in the absolute lap of luxury now. Nevertheless it's always "I wonder what could have happened if Nick had had him....."
 
I do apologise, that was completely off thread, but lovely to reminisce! I hope no-one minds.

I am sorry to hear Concas was gelded though, I remember him as a 5yr old and he was fabulous although not filled out. I'd love to see him now - is Nick still riding him?
 
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