King Kinane bows out after glittering career in saddle

Jockey Michael Kinane today announced his retirement, ending a 34-year career in the saddle.

The 50-year-old bowed out on a high after a memorable 2009 which saw him partner wonder horse Sea The Stars to six Group One wins, including an unprecedented 2,000 Guineas-Derby-Arc treble.

Kinane said: "I have decided this is the right time to retire. At 50 I still feel fit and sharp enough to do any horse justice but, after the season I have just had in partnership with Sea The Stars, I have the privilege of being able to end my career as a jockey on an incredible high and that's what I want to do."

The Irishman rode nearly 1,500 winners and earned a reputation for being a truly international jockey having won some of the most prestigious races around the world.

He broke new ground when winning the Belmont Stakes in America for Dermot Weld on Go And Go in 1990, as well as the Melbourne Cup on the same trainer's Vintage Crop in 1993.

Montjeu was an exceptional winner of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe for Kinane in 1999 while Commander In Chief (1993) and Galileo (2001) also won the Derby for the jockey.

But the best was to come in his last season as he enjoyed a glorious association with John Oxx's Sea The Stars. As well as the Guineas and Derby, the duo also won the Eclipse, the International Stakes and the Irish Champion Stakes before landing the Arc at Longchamp.

Ten-times champion trainer Henry Cecil said today: "Michael was a brilliant jockey, a gentleman and a great ambassador to racing."