South African sprinter Shea Shea has been retired following his unplaced run in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York on Friday.

The Mike de Kock-trained seven-year-old won the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan last year as well as finishing second in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Nunthorpe.

Shea Shea failed to sparkle at Ascot this June and after beating only one horse home on the Knavesmire, De Kock has announced the National Emblem gelding will not race on.

He told www.mikedekockracing.com: "Shea Shea won't race again, this is enough. His bleeding has become an issue and we won't persist with him any longer. He was a naturally competitive horse, a superb galloper and a consistent, high-class achiever.

"Shea Shea thoroughly deserves to rest and enjoy himself without the pressures of travelling and the testing preparation programmes that go with competing so often alongside the best sprinters in the world.

"We've found him a wonderful home at Mauritzfontein Stud, he will become an honourable resident of their famous paddocks. Jessica Slack and her staff will ensure he gets the kind of care he is worthy of."