13 May 2011 South-East Legend Stormer Retired
by Carolyn Tanner
CAPE STORMER: retired after 28 wins
photo: Phil Britt
Cape Stormer, successful in 28 races, including three Handicap Chases, for Marcus and Carolyn Gorman, was retired after scoring at Peper Harow on Saturday.
"Marcus would have retired him last year but I knew he'd be all right for another season," said Carolyn of the 16-year-old, who will now follow a variety of pursuits - "He does everything," she laughed.
"He's the horse of a lifetime and we'll never have another like him," she continued. "I'll miss his soundness but I won't miss him on the lorry - he's a real git!"
Cape Stormer was never the best of travellers but has become progressively worse. The Gormans have tried everything, including a pony companion, but nothing has worked, and this year it has fallen to son George to sit with him. "I've got quite a nice deckchair so I can sit and read the form," he grinned.
"My father [top jockey Tony Grantham, who recently passed away] said a good horse will always have a quirk, and he was right," smiled Carolyn, adding "Although he was ill, at least he knew that George had ridden his first winner."
George, 16, has finished first past the post on four occasions this year but has retained his novice status for next season as his mount She Is A Cracker was disqualified at Charing on Easter Saturday after losing her weight cloth. The hoped-for ride against his father failed to materialise in 2011, but both are looking forward to the challenge in 2012.
