Changing of the Guard

I don't want this to come across as a negative thread, but I don't enjoy seeing the older ones run well below their best and asking them to keep up with the younger legs.

We have already learnt about the retirement of the great Big Bucks, and the unfortunate Last Instalment, but this festival for me (probably more than any) has highlighted the young crop that are coming through, and a lot of the admirable elders may be stepping aside in the near future.

Anyone any thoughts on what might happen with some of the other older ones?

1. Hurricane Fly - surely can't come over for another Champion Hurdle.  If they want keep him in training next year I'd just keep him in Ireland
2. Sizing Europe - ran a great race in defeat, but I'd love to see him have an honorable retirement now whilst he is still sound
3. Long Run - I know he didn't run, but I can see the Grand National being his last race

I wouldn't suggest retiring Grandouet, Rock on Ruby or Oscar Whisky; but they look like they'll be difficult to place next year.  I think Oscar and Rock on Ruby deserve another chance in a G1 chase, but they don't particularly look like G1 chasers to me and they're both getting on now.  Grandouet?  Run him as a handicapper or go back to hurdles?

Celestial Halo - didn't enjoy seeing him tailed off in the World Hurdle and he's had the gun put to his head a few times now.
Diamond Harry - ran no sort of race in the Cross Country, and he hasn't really taken to it.
Captain Cee Bee - ran a blinder, but he's now 13.