Jockey Norton, 54, to retire after nearly 2,000 wins

Jockey Franny Norton is to discontinue connected Saturday aged 54 aft a profession during which he is believed to person ridden astir 2,000 winners.

His past gathering will beryllium astatine Chester, a way wherever he has claimed much victories than anyone else.

"After an unthinkable travel spanning complete 35 years, nan clip has travel for maine to bent up my boots and telephone it a time successful equine racing," said nan Liverpool-born rider.

"From nan early days successful nan saddle to nan galore highs and lows that followed, this athletics has fixed maine memories I will wealth forever.

"I've been blessed to thrust alongside immoderate of nan champion jockeys, activity pinch nan finest trainers, and compete astatine nan astir iconic racecourses. Every infinitesimal has been a privilege."

A talented amateur boxer, Norton opted for a profession successful racing aft turning down nan chance to correspond England astatine nan 1998 Commonwealth Games.

Norton had a successful business pinch record-breaking trainer Mark Johnston and notable horses during nan jockey's profession included Permian and Sir Ron Priestley.

It is unclear precisely really galore winners he has ridden, though Norton - nicknamed 'The King of Chester' by punters - believes it is astir 2,0000.

"Racing has taught maine resilience, passion, and humility, and I'm everlastingly grateful for nan unthinkable travel it has taken maine on," he wrote successful a station connected Instagram.

"I look guardant to seeing you each astatine Chester for 1 past race. Let's make it a time to remember."