Shane Scriven, the Queensland jockey who made it to the top despite a constant struggle with his weight, has announced his retirement.
Scriven says he decided to call an end to his 33-year career during a Father’s Day gathering with his family.
“After all these years I haven’t got it in me anymore to be full-on to keep going without letting people down,” the 46-year-old told AAP.
Scriven plans to take an extended break and travel before deciding on what he wants to do next.
“I would like to stay involved in racing in some way,” he said.
“I’ve been riding horses since I was three years old and I have been involved in racing since I was 14.
“I still love (racing) and I’m going to miss it like hell.”
During his senior years in the saddle, Scriven more than once put himself through a torturous fitness and diet regime to ply his trade as a heavyweight jockey.
He made his latest comeback in time for this year’s Brisbane winter carnival after serving a suspension over an infamous whip-stealing incident last year.
Scriven was banned for five months for stealing the whip of another rider in a race at Ipswich.
His time out of the saddle was reduced to three months on appeal.
In recent seasons, Scriven formed a potent association with West Australian galloper Scenic Shot, highlighted by a Mackinnon Stakes win and two Doomben Cup triumphs.
“I don’t think I would change too many things … and after 33 years it will have to do,” he said.
“The old body gave up years ago and when you lose the heart it’s time to bow out.”
Scriven last rode at Rockhampton on June 23, three days after he posted a winning double at Doomben.
Asked for a career highlight, Scriven said: “I’m not one for those sort of things.
“Racing to me was always the second love of my life. I’ve always liked being a father more than a jockey.”
