Two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kauto Star has been retired, champion trainer Paul Nicholls has announced today.
The brilliant chaser won the 2007 Gold Cup and two years later became the first horse to regain his crown.
Nicholls said Kauto Star's recent exercise work at his stable convinced him he should be retired.
There has been speculation about whether Kauto Star would ever race again since he was pulled up in the Gold Cup at this year's Cheltenham Festival.
Owned by Clive Smith, the 12-year-old finishes with a record of 23 wins from 47 races over jumps and earnings of £2.37 million.