Horses don't come any tougher than The Resdev Way and today we can announce the retirement of the gallant twelve-year-old.
Owned by Nick and Paula Wright, the son of Multiplex made his debut back in 2015 at Doncaster for trainer Richard Guest. Little did the owners know at the time that their two-year-old would go on to win thirteen races over an eleven year racing career.
The Resdev Way joined us here at New House Farm in November 2023 from trainer Micky Hammond, after the owners decided that he needed a fresh outlook on life. He was placed in his first three races for Mick and David Easterby and showed how he was still enjoying his racing.
The Resdev Way became a firm favourite at the yard soon after arriving and became known simply as 'Dev'. He was usually ridden out by amateur jockey Serena Brotherton who held him in high regard.
Dev's final career win came on his 116th start as he defied his years to take the 'BetUK: It's Where The UK Bets Handicap' at Wolverhampton. He was cruising a furlong out and hit the front in the last 100 yards to score under jockey Sam James, beating three-year-old race favourite Albert Lasker by a length and a quarter. The veteran was going away at the post and looked to thoroughly enjoy his final career victory. The Resdev Way also carried a Remembrance Day poppy on his tail and won best turned out for groom Gypsy Liddelow.
"Wasn't he good?" said joint trainer Mick Easterby after the race. "What a battler, he's so genuine. He just loves doing it. What a remarkable horse."
Retired on the 1st April 2025, The Resdev Way's final career statistics showed 13 wins and 27 places from 120 starts. He ran 105 times on the flat and also over hurdles and in three 'Jumpers Bumpers' and earned over £80,000 in prizemoney. He won on seven different tracks, with three wins each at Wolverhampton and Newcastle showing his preference for the all weather.
Dev's versatility made him a dream horse for Nick and Paula as he continually defied his advancing years.
"He's been a real pleasure to train," said trainer David Easterby after announcing Dev's retirement. "He's a well regarded old timer whose love for racing has allowed his career to carry on for so long. He's finished his racing fit well happy. Instead of being greedy, we've decided to pull up stumps and allow him to enjoy retirement gracefully."
A firm favourite with the staff, Dev will stay with at the yard where he has a new job lined up.
"He will try to be a 'mother' or a companion horse for the young foals and yearlings once they've been weaned," said David.
"It's very specialized. Blue Spinnaker was brilliant at it, but it's not a job for every horse. But if he's no good at that, we'll make sure he has a wonderful life down at Bulmer."
We all hope that Dev's influence passes on to the younger horses and he can whisper some advice to them and we can find another horse or two who'll frequent the winners' enclosure as often as 'Dev'.