The 2005 Grand National winner Hedgehunter has been retired after a career-spanning 40 races.

The Willie Mullins-trained 12-year-old was also the runner-up at Aintree in 2006, as well as finishing second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in the same year.

But after amassing prize money of around £785,000, Mullins and owner Trevor Hemmings have decided the time is right for Hedgehunter to retire.

Mullins told the Racing Post: "I spoke with Trevor Hemmings this morning and we agreed that now was a good time for Hedgehunter to be retired.

"He seemed to get a knock on the first circuit at Aintree on Saturday, but apart from being a bit stiff around the stifle area, he is otherwise sound.

"He will go to Mr Hemmings' place in the Isle of Man to spend his retirement and will be ridden out every day."