Tom Queally rode Fleeting Spirit to July Cup success in 2009

Newmarket trainer Jeremy Noseda has announced the retirement of his July Cup-winning sprinter Fleeting Spirit.

The five-year-old mare has suffered from ankle joint problems over the last 12 months.

Noseda said on his website: "We could have tried to persist with her but that wouldn't have been fair on the filly.

"The wear and tear from so many big runs has taken its toll and she owes us absolutely nothing, so it seems the right thing to do to retire her."

Fleeting Spirit, the daughter of Invincible Spirit, announced herself on the scene with a thrilling victory in the 2009 July Cup at Newmarket.

Later the same year she won the Cartier Champion Sprinter award, leading to growing expectation about her future.

606: DEBATE Where does she rank among the great sprinters or, more to the point, where could she have ranked? chrisosborneBBC

But ongoing injury concerns limited her outings, with her last race a fifth-placed finish in an attempt to defend her July Cup crown.

"She has been such a great servant to her owners and all of us at Shalfleet Stables," Noseda added.

"Fleeting Spirit proved herself to be a high-class sprinter at two, three, four and five, performing at the very top level.

"Of course, we now wish her well in her secondary career as a broodmare and, down the line, look forward to seeing her progeny at the racecourse.

"If they show just half of the ability that she possessed, then they too will enjoy success."

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