Marc Houtzager's success horse Sterrehof's Opium was officially retired today with a beautiful ceremony at Jumping Amsterdam. A sold-out house paid tribute to the now 19 year old gelding, who has had a very successful career under Houtzager with many triumphs such as winning the Grand Prix in Den Bosch in 2012.

Sterrehof's Opium also jumped to 7th place individually and 4th for the teams at the Olympic Games in Hong Kong in 2008 as well as ending 4th with the team at the European Championships at Windsor in 2009.

Opium closed off his career in the most perfect way, winning a three star 1.50 class in Drachten last week as well as jumping clear in yesterday’s 1.50 Grand Prix qualifier in Amsterdam.