Mullins confirms Djakadam retirement

Dual Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Djakadam has been forced to retire form racing due to injury, trainer Willie Mullins has confirmed.

The nine-year-old, whose best finishes at Prestbury Park came when finishing second to Coneygree in 2015 and Don Cossack 12 months later, has failed to recover from a hock injury which he suffered in the Grande Steeple-Chase de Paris at Auteuil last month.

Reflecting on the career of the Rich Ricci-owned Djakadam, who won seven times for Mullins, the handler tweeted: “Djakadam retires today and will go back to his breeder in France.

“A fantastic horse to train and have in Closutton and a wonderful career to match.

“Thanks to Jason Dear (groom) who looked after him so well.”