English sprinter Prohibit, who beat Australian Star Witness at Royal Ascot in 2011, has been retired.

The nine-year-old has run without success on the all-weather circuit this campaign his group of owners decided the time had come to call it a day.

Prohibit denied Star Witness victory in the King's Stand Stakes by half a length and was also third in the Nunthorpe that season.

"He's been officially retired," trainer Robert Cowell said.

"The owners had a discussion and decided it was best to retire him. There are other roles for him in the equine world and he can start a new chapter of his life.

"He owes nobody anything.

"As well as a lot of big meetings domestically he also took us to France and Meydan and we enjoyed some great days. He was an absolute success story.

"He just got on the roll in 2011. There isn't a massive difference between the top handicaps and the Group Ones and if you get the lucky breaks it makes all the difference.

"I've been honoured to have trained a horse as good as him and am always looking for the next one."