DUAL Champion Chase hero Sprinter Sacre has been retired. The Nicky Henderson-trained gelding, whom Timeform rated 192 at his peak, won 18 of his 24 starts and earned £1,136,884.

Henderson said: "It is with deep regret that I have to announce the sad news that Sprinter Sacre has been retired. He was the horse of an absolute lifetime."

The 10-year-old was one of the best two-mile chasers ever, winning the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in 2013 and in heartwarming scenes again last March.

After suffering from a fibrillating heart in December 2013, he was nursed back to his best by Henderson to rule the two-mile division once more.