Frustrated jockey Carter quits racing

Jockey Gary Carter has announced his retirement from the saddle after a 24-year career.

The rider, who partnered his first winner at Ripon in 1983, is currently awaiting a Jockey Club hearing into allegations concerning eight of his rides during a two-month period in 2003.

Carter settled in Spain with his young family after quitting Britain at the end of last season and he cited a lack of opportunities as one of the main reasons for his retirement.

“It has long been my intention to retire while still in one piece,” he said.

“The frustrating events involving some Jockey Club charges concerning my conduct, which were dropped then re-formed, have dealt a fatal blow to my chances of securing more than a couple of regular rides this year and made my decision inevitable.”

Carter will face a revised set of charges at a Jockey Club hearing which is due to start on October 24.