Clark hangs up his boots

Tony Clark has announced his retirement from the saddle at the age of 42.

The rider landed his biggest success aboard the Guy Harwood-trained Ile De Chypre in the 1989 Juddmonte International and partnered more than 800 winners worldwide.

Clark was closely associated with Harwood, joining the Pulborough trainer after leaving school.

A lack of recent opportunities has led to his decision to quit and he told the Racing Post: “I have been very, very lucky and have ridden some unbelievable horses in my time.

“To ride Warning in a race was incredible and the same can be said of Lear Fan.

“Ile De Chypre was a horse who took a lot of knowing bur he was very game and I don’t think he got the credit he deserved – he was a great favourite.

“I started with Guy Harwood and was there right until he retired. He could be hard to ride for but was a master trainer and treated me like a son.”