Jockey Jamie Moore feels Sire De Grugy "achieved as much as he possibly could" following the 11-year-old's retirement from racing.
Moore partnered the popular chestnut in 40 of his 42 career starts and enjoyed some halcyon afternoons, most significantly when the partnership claimed the 2014 Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Sire De Grugy also won two renewals of the Tingle Creek at Sandown in an honourable career that yielded five Grade One triumphs.
Gary Moore's flagbearer has not looked the force of old this season, though, and the decision was taken to retire him after he finished down the field in a handicap chase at Cheltenham on Saturday.
Jamie Moore told Racing UK: "This season has been OK and I honestly thought he'd get another win.
"I thought it was going to be yesterday but unfortunately it wasn't to be. He lacked scope yesterday and that wasn't right.
"My dad absolutely adores the horse and the staff in the yard do, as well.
"He was very hard and he had a lot of bottle. He obviously had a lot of ability but he did try for you.
"I think he achieved as much as he possibly could. He does mean so much to me."
Sire De Grugy will spend his retirement at the Moore family's yard in Lower Beeding, West Sussex.
Jamie Moore added: "I'll still ride him around. He'll be kept busy as he does enjoy his work."
