VORTEX, the prize asset of Burton Bradstock owner Chris Wilkinson, yesterday bowed out of racing at Lingfield after 78 appearances and six years of enthralling competition.

The nine-year-old thoroughbred poignantly returned to the scene of his inaugural triumph in 2002 for the memorial race in honour of PaulKelleway, his trainer Gay Kelleway's father with Jimmy Quinn, who has recorded three winnerson Vortex, in the saddle.

Incidentally, Kelleway, who originally trained at Whitcombe, near Dorchester, and purchased Vortex out of Sir Michael Stoute's stable as a three-year-old maiden for the Coriolis Partnership of Patrick Ewing and Wilkinson, has never won the event.

Vortex's illustrious and globe-trotting career and longevity has seen him travel the world and win 17 times - earning more than £330,000 in the process - with his most prestigious win at Newmarket in June 2005 where he beat Court Masterpiece and Nayyir to triumph in the Group 3 Criterion Stakes.

The flat racer also claimed the coveted Racers' Association All Weather Horse of the Year award in 2004 and several of the world's most renowned jockeys, including Frankie Dettori and Kieron Fallen, have had the privilege of riding him.

Mickey Fenton's partnership with Vortex proved the most successful, garnering five victories.

Wilkinson, who speaking on Monday conceded watching his stallion for the last time would be a bittersweet moment, said: "He really is an owner's dream and has taken us to some fabulous places including Japan, USA, Sweden and Dubai, not forgetting Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood.

"Our sincere thanks goes to super trainer Gay Kelleway who has done such a tremendous job training him, keeping him fit and fresh over the six years and we cannot thank her enough for her dedication and hard work on her behalf, which is greatly appreciated.

"We have been very fortunate to own such a brilliant and successful horse with such an abundance of talent."

He added: "He's been absolutely remarkable and owes us nothing and we will certainly miss watching him racing."

In retirement it is hoped that after a little rest, Vortex will find a place at a Retraining of Racehorses centre where he might train in dressage, while Wilkinson, who has established an interest in 15 horses with Kelleway since 1995, awaits the arrival of his next possible international superstar.

FOR a full report on Vortex's final outing, look out for next week's Bridport News.