THE script was written but unfortunately for Vortex, the nine-year-old Flat racing horse owned by Burton Bradstock couple Chris and Andrea Wilkinson, there was no Hollywood-style ending to a fairytale career.

Steeped in nostalgia and sentiment, Vortex, running for the final time before bowing out of competition after six memorable years, characteristically tried his utmost but could only finish fourth at Lingfield last Wednesday.

The result was immaterial so it would be churlish to dwell on that, although how fitting it would have been for him to sign-off with a win on his favourite track, in partnership with one of his most successful jockeys, Jimmy Quinn.

Noteworthy too was the poignancy of the occasion for trainer Gay Kelleway, who was seeking her maiden victory in the race dedicated in memory of her father Paul, but this time it wasn't to be.

For Vortex's owners this was a bittersweet moment - the final time their eyes would witness their beloved horse in action, signalling the end of a distinguished and abundantly successful era in which he has fulfilled all his promise and then some.

The decision was made to retire Vortex because, as Kelleway says, "his spark has gone" and it was thought better to bring the curtain down gracefully now than to continue like a boxer past his prime when age has inevitably taken its toll.

Master Of Arts took the honours in the one-mile swansong but Vortex beat off the challenge of his stablemate Dubai Meyden to at least claim bragging rights and with the £630 he earned from his 78th and final appearance, his career prize-money topped £334,000.

"We had a fantastic day and it was an unusually large crowd for a Wednesday, but Vortex was applauded in the parade ring, going down to the start and when he came in to the unsaddling enclosure," said a proud Chris Wilkinson.

"Sadly, his racing days are over but the last six years have been absolutely fantastic - it's been a remarkable experience and he is a wonderful horse.

"He's now going to have a short rest before going off to Heroes, a special place for retraining of horses at Wantage, Oxon, to be trained for dressage."

For Kelleway too, it is an opportunity to reminisce fondly on a golden career for the horse she labels a superstar', whom she also believes to be irreplaceable.

She said: "I don't have superstars but he has been like a superstar to us, taking us everywhere including Royal Ascot four times and we had some great parties along the way.

"He's always loved travelling and for smaller people like us to be able to go to Dubai and take on the best was just magic.

"He's the soundest horse I've ever trained legwise, nothing has ever fazed him and the way he's kept his enthusiasm and consistency has never ceased to amaze me, I just cannot see how I am going to replace him."

She added: "We've had many e-mails and phone calls wishing him well but lately he's been saying he's had enough."