Dual Group One winner Littorio has been retired just eight days after a successful return from a long injury lay-off.
Beset by problems throughout his career, Littorio gave his owners and trainer Nigel Blackiston an emotional victory when he won the Makybe Diva Stakes after almost 19 months on the sidelines recovering from a tendon injury.
Sky Channel reported on Sunday that scans showed Littorio had an issue in his other leg and the decision was made to end his racetrack career.
Placed in the 2007 Victoria Derby and the AJC Australian Derby the following year, Littorio claimed his first Group One victory in the 2008 Turnbull Stakes.
He spent most of 2009 on the injured list before returning in the autumn of 2010 when he claimed the Group One BMW at his fifth start for the preparation.
After finishing unplaced in the Sydney Cup, Littorio was found to have injured his tendon.
His 25 start career yielded four wins and seven placings and prize money in excess of $2.5 million.
AAP TURF
