Dual Group One-winning stayer Tac De Boistron has been retired.

The gelding was bought by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock in 2012 with a view to the Melbourne Cup.

He had two starts in Australia for trainer Mick Kent but failed to handle the firm tracks and was returned to Europe after finishing second-last in the 2012 Cup.

He regained form to win the Prix Royal-Oak at Longchamp in both 2013 and 2014 and trainer Marco Botti had been hoping to have another crack at the two-mile race again next month.

However, connections have decided the time is now right to retire the gelding and Botti has paid tribute to his stable stalwart.

"It is good for the horse that he is retiring in one piece, he owes us nothing and has earned a wonderful retirement," Botti said on his website.

"We are lucky that we have been graced with such a tough warrior.

"He has had some niggles that we haven't been happy with and it is testament to his strong, brave character that he has kept training into his twilight years.

"He will be retired to the paddocks and will be well cared for, for the rest of his life.

"It has been a pleasure to train him for Darren Dance and the Australian TB Bloodstock syndicate. We've had fun."