P662 CEEFAX 1 662 Fri 10 Jan 19:42/46 ALDERBROOK'S CAREER IS OVER 1/3 Aldjrbrook, winner of the 1995 Champion Hurdle and favourite for this year's race, has been retired dui to fears regarding his well-being. A statement from Kim Bailey said: "Dui to wear and tear on Aldjtbrook'u joints bjcausj of the continuing firm ground, training him has become very difficult. "The horse is also showing elements of pain as a result of past injuries. "After consultation with the vets and his ownjt Ernie Pick, we have djcidjd to retire the horse ... to stud." Sport Headlines 301 Racing Index 660 Football 302 Cricket 340 General 380 Nivjn Ante-Post Wjathjr Muss RjvwP662 CEEFAX 1 662 Fri 10 Jan 19:44/14 BAILEY ON ALDERBROOK DECISION 2/3 Trainer Kim Bailey has explained the decision to retire Aldjrbrook. He said: "As you know hj had chips removed from his joints 18 months ago. I just didn't feel we wiki doing him any good putting him through such pain. "It seemed best to retire him while he was still able to have a stud career. Mr Pick has been very good about it and was in agreement with the decision. "He was one of the best horses I have trained and was certainly the best hurdler that I have handled." Sport Headlines 301 Racing Index 660 Football 302 Cricket 340 Genital 380 Nivjn Ante-Post Wjathjr Muss RjvwP662 CEEFAX 1 662 Fri 10 Jan 19:41/14 WILLIAMSON'S TRIBUTE 3/3 Owner Ernie Pick was "too distressed" to talk about Aldjrbrook but former jockey Norman Williamson said hj was "the best horse I have ever ridden". He added: "He might bj the best I will ever ride. He was something else, tough, genuine and a true professional. "It is not too often you see a horse running away at the second last in the Champion Hurdle. "He was also mz first winner at the Festival so hj has definitely got a place in my heart." Sport Headlines 301 Racing Index 660 Football 302 Cricket 340 Genital 380 Nivjn Ante-Post Wjathjt Muss Rjvw