Altior: Two-time Queen Mother Champion Chase winner is retired, aged 11

Altior last raced in April

Two-time champion chaser Altior has been retired from racing, trainer Nicky Henderson has announced.

He won 21 of his 26 career races, earning more than £1.3m since making his debut as a four-year-old in 2014.

"Altior has been a star and given us all some amazing days," Henderson said.

"It's been a great journey, but all good things must come to an end."

Among Altior's 21 career wins were 10 Grade One triumphs, and his remarkable unbeaten streak lasted more than four years.

He won at the Cheltenham Festival four years in a row, first claiming the Supreme Novices' Hurdle in 2016, then the Arkle Trophy in 2017 before going on to clinch back-to-back Champion Chase victories.

Trainer Henderson said it was "sad" the jumps great was "going into honorary retirement".

"His owners Christopher and Pat Pugh feel that now he is 11, turning 12, they would like him to retire while still at his peak - fit, sound and healthy and ready for a new career," Henderson said.

Altior is to spend retirement in the care of former jockey Mick Fitzgerald.

"He goes out unblemished and very nearly unbeaten," Henderson said.