SWINDON’S Wayne Hutchinson has this afternoon announced his retirement from race riding, bringing an end to his glittering career in the saddle.

The 38-year-old, who has been based at Barbury Castle with Alan King for 17 seasons, took his final ride at Hereford on Tuesday, October 15, aboard Peggies Venture.

Hutchinson rode more than 800 winners over jumps and a further 11 on the flat.

Highlights include his two triumphs at the Cheltenham Festival.

Oh Crick won the festival’s traditional curtain closer – the Grand Annual Challenge Cup – by three-quarters-of-a-length to Moon Over Miami in 2009.

Hutchinson also partnered Medinas to a surprise 33/1 success in the 2013 running of the Coral Cup.

Other achievements include his Group One successes on L’Unique in a juvenile hurdle six seasons ago and Balder Succes’ eye-catching Maghull Novices’ Chase and Betfair Chase double in 2014 and 2015.

However, Hutchinson’s progress stalled this summer after he broke his left hand in a fall while schooling at home.

Talking to the Racing Post, the Swindon-based jockey said: "It just seems the right time. I'm rising 39 and I've accomplished more as a jockey than I ever thought I would.

“I've ridden a lot of very good horses and I've met a lot of great people, and I've also just had the best season of my entire career.

“I'm fit and well and I could ride again tomorrow if I wanted. I'm immensely proud to be going out on my own terms."