OXFORDSHIRE-BASED John Reid, the multiple Classic-winning jockey, has announced his retirement from horse racing at the age of 46.

The Ulsterman, who lives at Baulking, near Faringdon, has ridden 48 Group 1 winners worldwide, including the 1988 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Tony Bin and the 1992 Derby on Dr Devious.

However, of late, Reid has not been given the rides in big races he craves, and this is part of his decision to hang up his boots.

"There is no doubt that being a jockey is a young man's game, and I'm not that young anymore," said Reid, who was awarded the MBE in 1997.

"I've been thinking about it for some time, and now I think the time is right for me to walk away.

"You've got to have the back-up of a big operation to give you a chance in the major races, and I haven't got that."