Britain's best sprinter Lethal Force will retire to stud at the end of the season after being purchased by Cheveley Park.

The four-year-old came of age this season with Group One wins in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and the July Cup at Newmarket.

Racing Victoria sounded out connections about Lethal Force coming to Australia in the spring but they opted against the trip.

Lethal Force was most recently seen finishing second to Moonlight Cloud in the six-and-a-half-furlong (1300m) Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville last month and is the pre-post favourite for Saturday's Sprint Cup at Haydock.

Cheveley Park have confirmed the son of Dark Angel will continue to race in the colours of his current owner Alan Craddock and will stay with trainer Clive Cox for the remainder of the season.

"We are delighted to have secured such an imposing and impressive athlete as Lethal Force, whose many qualities complement our portfolio of stallions in every way, especially as he is an exciting alternative outcross whom we look forward to supporting with our own brood mares," Chris Richardson, managing director of Cheveley Park, said.

"Rated 130 by Timeform, Lethal Force is the highest-rated sprinter to retire to stud in recent years, offering British breeders a wonderful opportunity for their mares."