Kieren Fallon
Kieren Fallon has announced his retirement from racing Getty Images

KEY POINTS

  • Irishman has decided to walk away from the sport at the age of 51.
  • Fallon won the Derby three times, on Oath, Kris Kin and North Light.

Kieren Fallon, who was named champion jockey six times, has retired from racing. The 51-year-old Irishman decided to bring his trophy-laden career to an end following a recent fall.

The news has been confirmed by trainer Michael O'Callaghan, who the Irishman had been riding for this season. "He had a fall on the gallops last week and he just said he's 51 now and doesn't bounce like he used to," O'Callaghan said, according to the BBC.

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Fallon began his apprenticeship in 1982 and went on to become one of the most decorated jockeys in history, winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe twice and counting 16 British Classic winners among his many successes.

He became champion jockey for the first time in 1997 and went on to win the coveted title a further five times over the next six years.

O'Callaghan revealed Fallon will continue to play a part in his team and described the three-times Epsom Derby winner as "one of the best of all time".

"Kieren has been a great asset to have around the yard," he said, according to RTE. "He rode his first group winner for a long time for us not too long ago. It's been great to have him here and he is going to remain here as a work rider and adviser, hopefully for a while to come – he's just giving up the race riding.

"He's had an amazing career on the track – he must be one of the best jockeys of all time. He is worth his weight in gold to us here, but the main thing is that we just want what is best for Kieren."

Meanwhile, Dr Adrian McGoldrick, the Irish Turf Club's chief medical officer, said the jockey had "lost the motivation" to keep riding, admitting he has been suffering with "profound depression". According to McGoldrick, the jockey's depression had gone undiagnosed in England and America.

"I first became aware of it when he came to see me for his licence earlier this year and he was obviously very significantly depressed," he shared. "It got worse and I met with him on Sunday and have arranged to have it managed.

"It's quite profound depression. As soon as I can get a bed organised for him, he'll be going to hospital here in Ireland."