Versatile performer Eric The Viking has been retired.

A smart flat performer before winning the Grand National, Koral and Wellington Steeplechases, time has been called on the rising 12-year-old after two outings this winter.

“He was a little bit sore after his run for fourth at Trentham so we thought it was the right time to pull the pin,” part-owner and trainer Aaron Bidlake said.

“The special thing about him was that he was able to win an Opunake Cup over 1400m and then steeplechases over 5500m - very few horses can do that.

“He raced for eight seasons as well and that showed how durable he was.”