Stern Idol to retire after bid for fourth straight Crisp victory

Champion jumper Stern Idol will bring down the curtain on an outstanding career when he lines up in Sunday’s Crisp Steeplechase at Sandown, chasing a fourth consecutive victory in the feature event.

Trainer Ciaron Maher confirmed the imposing nine-year-old will retire after the race, with owner-breeder Gerry Ryan deciding the dual champion jumper’s final appearance will come in one of Australia’s premier jumps races.

Maher, who has enjoyed considerable success over obstacles, rates Stern Idol among the finest jumpers he has trained. The leading trainer has won the Crisp Steeplechase eight times and holds the record for Grand Annual Steeplechase victories at Warrnambool with seven.

His list of elite jumpers includes multiple-feature winner Bashboy, dual Grand Annual winners Al Garhood and Regina Coeli, and recent star Saunter Boy.