Not So Sleepy: ”What He’s Achieved Is Incomparable”

Twelve-year-old Not So Sleepy registered an impressive win at Newbury in his last ever race during September’s Dubai Duty Free International Weekend.

The run – and win in the Dubai Duty Free Autumn Cup – was the last of 69 runs as Not So Sleepy begins a well earned retirement.

We went to see him, groom Raj and trainer Hughie Morrison as the popular veteran geared up for his life after racing.

The celebrated dual-purpose racehorse began his journey at Nottingham in 2014, where he secured his first win. A decade later, he has gone full circle, finishing his career by winning the Autumn Cup Handicap Stakes for the second consecutive year.

“What he’s achieved as a racehorse is incomparable in the modern age,” said trainer Hughie Morrison.

“You don’t have a top-class flat horse and a top-class hurdler. Dual purpose just doesn’t exist. He’s a standout really, and he’s a charming horse as well.”

It was an emotional farewell at Morrison’s yard as Not So Sleepy prepared to leave for his retirement at his birthplace, Lemington Grange. “Any horse that stays within a yard for as long as he has which is eleven seasons, we all become very fond of” Morrison added. “We love our horses deeply and with a character like him, he’s going to be unforgettable.”

As he embarks on this new chapter, plans are in place for a quieter life.

“He’s going home, he’s going to have a quiet winter there. Hopefully he’ll move onto doing a job and someone can ride him because he’s a sound horse”.