Britain’s most successful female jockey Hayley Turner says she is excited about the future after confirming her retirement from the saddle at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old claimed a landmark success when she steered Dream Ahead to win the 2011 Group One July Cup and also won the Nunthorpe that year on Margot Did.
However, Turner feels the time is right to call a halt to her riding days and she is now eager to embrace a life outside of the weighing room.
“I have loved every second of my career as a jockey and I am incredibly grateful to all those that have supported me over the years,” Turner said.
“I am really excited to be starting a new chapter in my life and am very much looking forward to the new challenges ahead.
“I will continue to stay as focused as ever on my riding until the end of this season and will be hoping to ride as many winners as possible until then.”
Among her plans is a role with racing broadcaster At The Races and she says she is looking forward to a new lifestyle.
“Saying I’m frustrated by lack of opportunities is a bit unfair. I’m on 40 winners already,” she said.
“If I rode until the end of the year I’d have over 50 which is good.
“Being a jockey isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle. It’s difficult to balance work and life.”
