Last Updated: Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:34
Black Jack Ketchum has been retired by its owners after a disappointing run of form.
The Jonjo O'Neill-trained charge, who claimed victory in the 2006 Novices' Hurdle, won all of its first eight races but has not been able to hit the heights in the last year.
The nine-year-old failed to impress at the 2007 World Hurdle and managed just one more career win before being pulled up at Prestbury Park on New Year's Day.
After that performance and plenty of deliberating, owners Gay and Derrick Smith have decided to call time on Black Jack Ketchum's career.
Speaking to the Racing Post, O'Neill said: "He just did not seem to be enjoying it anymore.
"He was a brilliant servant to the yard and a super little horse who will be very hard to replace, as good horses like him do not come along every day."
He added: "The last thing the owners wanted to see was him slogging around after he had given them so much fun in winning all those races.
"He's in good form at home but is not showing the same sparkle on the course this season."