Hayley Turner brings curtain down on record-breaking career

has announced her retirement from the saddle with immediate effect.

The 42-year-old became the first female jockey to ride a Group One winner outright in Britain when partnering Dream Ahead to victory in the July Cup in 2011, following up with another top-level success aboard Margot Did in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York the following month.

Turner, who rode Spirit Of Jura to win at Southwell on Wednesday, also said she is expecting her first child in October.

In a statement, Turner said: “I have decided to retire from being a jockey following my winner at Southwell, especially as I had my first ride at the racecourse on March 27, 2000.

“I am very excited to also announce that I am having a baby in October, all being well, which I have been planning for the last two years. My family and I are all very excited.

“I would like to thank everyone that has supported me over the years especially Michael Bell, David Simcock, Andrew Balding and Harry Eustace. I would also like to thank my riding agent, Guy Jewell, who has been my agent for the majority of my career.

“I am looking forward to my next life chapter, but will be focusing on the baby in the short term.”