Kicking King, winner of the 2005 Cheltenham Gold Cup for Tom Taaffe, has been retired.

Now a 10-year-old, he had been nursed back into action last season following a serious tendon injury and hopes were high he had retained his ability following an encouraging return after a 759-day absence.

However, in four subsequent starts he failed to show his old sparkle and connections have decided to call time on the dual King George VI Chase winner's career.

"It's not really a sad day, Kicking King was a wonderful chaser to have had," said his owner Conor Clarkson.

"On looking back over his racing career you realise what an amazing racehorse he was. I suppose it's a little bit sad his racing career is over, but he can now look forward to a happy retirement."