Michael Bell’s popular stayer Big Orange retired after suffering injury setback
The eight-year-old won a thrilling Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in 2017
TOP STAYER Big Orange has been retired at the age of eight.
Michael Bell's Gold Cup hero suffered a flare up of an injury he picked up in Dubai last March.
The popular gelding enjoyed several big wins during his glittering career, amassing £1,255,031 in prize money.
His finest hour came at Royal Ascot in 2017 when he fended off Order Of St George in a memorable Gold Cup.
Bell, who trained Big Orange to each of his nine victories, said the decision to retire was a straightforward one.
He said: "He'd only been trotting and was due to be re-scanned on Monday, but we brought it forward before he started cantering and there's a tiny bit of heat on the leg and the warning was there.
"It was a no-brainer really, given it had flared up just through trotting.
"He's sound, he's gone back to Stetchworth (Park Stud) and the Gredleys will make a decision on what he will do in retirement, but he's got a home whatever happens.
"It just depends how active he is in retirement.
"He does like being involved and likes a routine, but Bill and Tim are horsemen through and through and will find something he is happy doing."