Kerry jockey Bryan Cooper has announced his retirement from horse riding.
The racing ace, who won the prestigious Gold Cup at Cheltenham and is considered one of the best in the business, said his decision will take immediate effect.
He said he had given the matter much careful thought and consideration for some time.
In a statement on Twitter, the 30-year-old Tralee man said: “I’ve been lucky to have had a wonderful career over the past 14 years as a jockey.
“To my family, the owners, trainers and stable staff who have supported me throughout my whole career, I can’t thank you enough for some incredible days.”
Cooper said it is time to move on to the next chapter in his life and he is looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
The Tralee jockey, the son of successful trainer Tom Cooper, won the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Don Cossack in 2016 and the 2013 Triumph Hurdle on Our Conor. He also piloted 532 winners in his glittering career, including nine at Cheltenham and 39 Grade One wins.
He had his best season in 2015-16 when he rode 94 winners.
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