Asterion Forlonge: A New Chapter for Racing’s Grey Gentleman

After a career marked by brilliance, quirks, and genuine fan affection, Asterion Forlonge has officially retired from racing. He ran his final race at Punchestown on May 1st, 2025 coming second, before moving to his new home at Clare Ricketts Equine on May 2nd—a place where experience, care, and legacy quietly coexist.

The striking grey, trained throughout his career by Willie Mullins, captured the imagination of racing fans from his earliest outings. A versatile performer, Asterion raced over hurdles and fences at the top level, never shying away from elite company.

He retires with a record of 29 starts, including 7 wins, 6 seconds, and 2 thirds, amassing over £412,000 in prize money. His resume includes standout performances at Grade 1 level, most memorably his emphatic win in the 2020 Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown—where he announced himself as one of Ireland’s brightest novice hurdlers.

Over the years, he lined up in some of the toughest races in the calendar, taking on the likes of Envoi Allen, Minella Indo, and Allaho, and holding his own at Cheltenham, Leopardstown, and Punchestown. Though not always lucky, Asterion’s heart, power, and striking presence made him unforgettable.

Now, his story continues—this time, far from the noise of the parade ring. He has joined Clare Ricketts, whose yard on the Carlow-Wicklow border has become a trusted destination for both pretraining and retraining. With a few showjumpers still on the go and legends like Douvan and Lord Royal already in residence, Asterion is in expert company.

This isn’t the first time he crossed paths with Clare. As she recalls:

“I fell in love with Asterion when he came here for light training after a break. He’s a gentleman with a heart of gold—and now he’s home. He’ll be loved forever in a yard fit for the kings and queens it contains.”

A special thank you must go to the entire team at Willie Mullins’ yard, whose skill, care, and ongoing commitment to rehoming horses set a powerful standard within the industry. Their trust in Clare—and their belief in giving these horses life beyond the track—is not only admirable, but vital.

Asterion will now enjoy his paddocks, his people, and a slower rhythm. His racing chapter may be over, but his story continues—with the same dignity, class, and presence that defined him from day one.