Aintree Foxhunters hero Latenightpass retires after brilliant fifth at Cheltenham

Latenightpass, who finished a gallant fifth aged thirteen in the Glenfarclas Cross Country race yesterday has been retired sound. Winner of the 2022 Randox Foxhunters’ Chase and runner-up in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at The Festival in 2025 finishes his career on a high.

The popular gelding a homebred for Pippa Ellis, was trained throughout his career by their son trainer Tom Ellis.

A standout performer in the hunter chase division, Latenightpass enjoyed his greatest success at Aintree in 2022 when landing the Foxhunters’ Chase over the Grand National fences under top amateur Gina Andrews. The victory came a year after he had finished second in the same contest, cementing his reputation as a horse particularly suited to the unique challenge of the famous course. He went on to run in the Grand National in 2024 where he led the runners over the last only weakening on the run-in to finish twelfth of the thirty-two runners.

Latenightpass also excelled in cross-country company and produced one of the most notable performances of his career when finishing a fine second to Stumptown in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in 2025, once again with Andrews in the saddle.

Across his career he became renowned for his consistency, bravery and enthusiasm for the sport, particularly when faced with the distinctive obstacles of Aintree and Cheltenham’s cross-country track.

Speaking on behalf of his family, Tom Ellis paid tribute to a horse who provided them with unforgettable days on the racecourse.
“Latenightpass has been a horse of a lifetime for us,” he said. “To breed him ourselves and then see him go on to win at Aintree and run so well at two Cheltenham Festival is the stuff of dreams. He has given us so many fantastic memories.”He added: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of his journey, especially my wife Gina Andrews for the brilliant rides she gave him and the team at Heath Barn who looked after him so well every day.”

Latenightpass now heads into retirement with Gina who said, ‘Bob has been an absolute star and has given me so many career highlights, I look forward to taking him out hunting next season, something I think he will love.’