ALAN King has suffered a blow with the news that Salden Licht has had to be retired following his run in a jumpers bumper at Kempton last week.

A useful performer on the level for James Eustace having begun his career abroad, he joined Barbury Castle trainer King after finishing fifth in the 2009 November Handicap.

Three times a winner over hurdles, he won a novice chase at Plumpton and was being lined up for a crack at the Cheltenham Festival.

"Salden Licht suffered a bad suspensory and won't be able to race again, and we are in the process of trying to sort him out a good retirement home," King told his website, www.alankingracing.co.uk "He was a smashing, versatile horse for us.

"He won three races in France before we got him, but he won again on the level at Doncaster, clocked up three wins over hurdles, as well as finishing third in the Grade One at Aintree, and then completed the full house when winning over fences at Plumpton in January."

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