Champion jockey Jeff Lloyd has confirmed he will retire in the middle of next month.
The 57-year-old has the Brisbane metropolitan premiership safely in his keeping for a fourth time.
Lloyd indicated last year he would retire during this season but had not put a date on the end of his riding career.
“I can confirm I will retire after the Doomben meeting on July 13,” Lloyd said.
“I want to be able to spend more time with my boys. My son Jaden will start riding in races in the new season.”
Jaden Lloyd has been accepted into Racing Victoria’s apprentice program. He is working at Lindsay Park and has already ridden in trials.
Lloyd will attend the overseas wedding of his nephew, Hong Kong-based jockey Chad Schofield, the week after his last day.
He said he could have come back after the wedding for the final day of the season but decided against it.
Lloyd began his career in South Africa about 40 years ago and won nine junior and senior premierships.
He has since had stints in Mauritius, Hong Kong, England and Sydney.
Lloyd faced one of his biggest tests when he moved to Queensland eight years ago.
He suffered a stroke at the Sunshine Coast races in March, 2013, which put him out of action for a year.
Lloyd returned to riding and has now won 600 races in Queensland.
He won his first Brisbane premiership with 79 winners in 2015/16 and the next season smashed Chris Munce’s record of 98 with 137 winners.
Lloyd again broke 100 with 108 winners in 2017/18 for title number three.
He has 74 winners this season and is 32 in front of Brad Stewart.
