Talented sprinter Alfa Oro has been retired prematurely due to ongoing injury issues.
The Matt Laurie-trained gelding won six of his first eight starts including five on end but failed to continue his good form this preparation having been disappointing in his two starts where he jumped as favourite.
“With sadness the decision has been made to retire our stable favourite Alfa Oro,” Laurie tweeted on Thursday.
“He retires with a big motor that unfortunately his body won’t allow us to see.
“Thank you to everyone that played a part in his career and now Alfa, you can enjoy the next phase of your life.”