TWO-TIME Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo and his stablemate Melon have been retired by Willie Mullins.
Al Boum Photo took home the Cheltenham Festival feature in back to back seasons in 2019 and 2020.
But he could only manage third when sent off favourite in the 2021 renewal when attempting to equal the hat-trick legendary Best Mate achieved.
Al Boum Photo won once from four outings this season and was pulled-up on his latest start in France.
Now a ten-year-old, Mullins decided it was time to end on a relative high and he will now go eventing.
The horse won ten of his 23 starts under rules, winning just over £1 million for Mullins and owners Marie & Joe Donnelly.
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Mullins tweeted: "Al Boum Photo and Melon retired today.
"Fantastic horses for Marie and Joe Donnelly and our yard.
"Al Boum Photo gave us two Cheltenham Gold Cups which was very special and Melon was such a consistent performer.
"We wish them all the best in their new eventing careers."
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Also a ten-year-old, Melon racked up six wins from 33 outings and £440,000 in winnings.
He finished runner-up a remarkable four times at the Cheltenham Festival, including in two Champion Hurdles.
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