MILLIONAIRE amateur horseman David Maxwell immediately sold all 16 of his horses including his ‘impressive’ Cheltenham runner who was forced into immediate retirement.

In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the horse racing community, millionaire amateur jockey and owner David Maxwell has decided to sell off his entire string of 16 horses in Britain, including a standout performer from the prestigious Cheltenham Festival. The 47-year-old property developer, known for his daring rides and unyielding passion for the sport, announced his retirement from race-riding earlier this week, citing a series of debilitating injuries as the primary reason. The dispersal sale, scheduled for October 24 at Cheltenham, marks the end of an era for Maxwell, who has been a familiar and controversial figure on British and French racecourses for nearly two decades.

Maxwell’s decision comes just months after a severe fall at Aintree in the spring, where he fractured his back for the fourth time in his career. The injury, sustained while riding in a competitive chase, proved to be the final straw for the resilient horseman. “I am 47, the bone is taking such a long time to heal and you feel those injuries more and more,” Maxwell told Racing Post in an emotional interview. He described going through “all the stages of grief” over the summer—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and eventual acceptance—before concluding that it was time to hang up his boots. Despite his wealth and success in property development, Maxwell’s love for racing was deeply personal; he often rode his own horses, blending ownership with the thrill of competition in a way that few professionals could match.

The sale includes all 16 horses currently in training in the UK, with a few exceptions kept for racing in France. Among the lots is El Cairos, an ‘impressive’ bumper horse who captured attention last season by finishing fifth in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival and securing a strong second place at Punchestown. Described by Maxwell as a “smart” and promising runner, El Cairos was forced into immediate retirement due to the owner’s abrupt exit from the sport. “I’m selling them because I hate watching other people riding my horses,” Maxwell admitted candidly. “It’s a whole different thing when you’ve been riding them yourself. It’s like torture standing on the sidelines.” This sentiment was echoed by his former trainer, Josh Moore, who recounted his own struggles after retiring: the pain of seeing others ride horses that once felt like personal extensions.

Maxwell’s journey in horse racing is one of Corinthian spirit and relentless determination. Born into a racing family—his father, Jeremy Maxwell, was a prominent trainer in Northern Ireland who handled the 1988 Grand National winner Rhyme ‘N’ Reason—the young David was immersed in the equestrian world from an early age. After studying economics at Cambridge University, he built a multimillion-pound fortune as a London-based property developer. Yet, it was in the saddle that he found his true calling. Starting as an amateur in his late twenties, Maxwell rode over 250 winners, claimed the amateur jockey title twice, and became a member of the Jockey Club’s property board. His approach was professional despite his amateur status; he trained rigorously, employed scouts in France and Ireland to source horses, and maintained a string of around 20 animals across multiple trainers.

One of Maxwell’s most memorable achievements came in the 2024 Grand National, where he piloted Ain’t That A Shame— a horse he specifically purchased for the event—to a respectable sixth place, finishing 16 lengths behind the winner, I Am Maximus. “I genuinely thought I was going to win crossing the Melling Road!” he later reflected with a mix of exhilaration and hindsight. The ride defied critics who often questioned his skills in the saddle, with some punters and commentators labeling him a “dog” compared to seasoned pros. Maxwell took such barbs in stride, framing one particularly harsh tweet alongside a congratulatory note from legendary trainer Patrick Mullins, who humorously signed it “from the lamppost to the dog.” “I’ve often said that I can’t believe it’s legal,” Maxwell quipped about his riding career. “I can’t believe I’ve been allowed to do it and how much fun it’s been.”

His highlights were not limited to Aintree. At Cheltenham, Maxwell finished second in the 2019 Foxhunter Chase on Shantou Flyer, savoring the electric atmosphere of the Festival. “Any winner at Cheltenham is huge, especially in front of a big crowd,” he once said. He also notched victories in Grade Three races, including a dramatic win on Jatiluwih after the horse briefly escaped during a workout. Maxwell’s horses were more than investments; they were “lovely characters,” each with unique personalities that fueled his passion. “There is absolutely nothing better than a really good three-mile chaser,” he enthused. “That’s a proper racehorse, a thing of beauty.”

The immediate dispersal of his stable underscores the depth of Maxwell’s emotional attachment. With about 20 horses in total, including a couple already retired and others in France, the sale represents a clean break from British racing. He plans to keep a small number abroad but has no intention of riding them himself. “Although life is long, I’ll reassess in a couple of years and probably buy some more horses as the next chapter,” he added optimistically. Trainers like Henry de Bromhead, who prepared Ain’t That A Shame, and Josh Moore have praised Maxwell’s dedication, noting how his retirement will leave a void in the amateur ranks.

Reactions from the racing world have been a mix of sadness and admiration. Peers respect his bravery—after all, he broke his back multiple times yet returned each time with renewed vigor. Punters, however, may breathe a sigh of relief, given the occasional frustration with his riding style. As one industry insider put it, Maxwell embodied the “throwback” amateur spirit in a increasingly professionalized sport, where passion often trumps polish.

As the October sale approaches, questions linger about the future of horses like El Cairos. Will the promising Cheltenham runner find a new home to continue his career, or will retirement be permanent? For Maxwell, the focus now shifts to recovery and perhaps a less adrenaline-fueled involvement in racing. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the physical toll of the sport and the unbreakable bond between rider and horse. In an industry driven by dreams and risks, David Maxwell’s abrupt exit is both a loss and a testament to a life lived at full gallop.