Veteran jockey Joe Fanning has announced his retirement from race riding with immediate effect, bringing the curtain down on a career that produced almost 3,000 winners worldwide and established him as one of the most successful riders in British Flat racing history.

Born on 24 September 1970, Fanning is a Group 1-winning Irish jockey who has ridden winners at every Flat racecourse in Great Britain. A two-time All-Weather Champion Jockey, he spent much of his career as stable jockey to Mark Johnston, a partnership that began in the 1990s and yielded the majority of his victories. He retires as the seventh-winningmost jockey in British Flat racing history and holds the distinction of recording more winners than any jockey never to have claimed the British Jockeys' Championship.

Fanning said the decision followed discussions with his family and close friends. While he made a full recovery from prostate cancer at the end of last year, he believes the timing is right to step away from race riding with much of the current season already completed.

His career in Britain began in 1988 when he joined Tommy "Squeak" Fairhurst, launching a journey that established him as one of the sport's most respected riders. Throughout that time, Fanning forged a particularly enduring partnership with Mark, Deirdre and Charlie Johnston, spending more than 30 years associated with the Johnston stable and sharing in many of its biggest successes.

Reflecting on the highlights of his career, Fanning singled out The Last Lion's victory in the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes in 2016 and Subjectivist's triumph in the 2021 Ascot Gold Cup, carrying the colours of Dr Jim Walker, as two achievements that will always stand above the rest.

He also noted the significance of ending his race-riding career on a winning note, with his final mount, Loquella, scoring for Johnston Racing at Newcastle last November.

Although retiring from the saddle on race days, Fanning stressed that he is not leaving the industry. He will continue working alongside his wife, Sarah, in their sales and pre-training business, while also remaining involved with Johnston Racing by riding work at the yard.

In closing, Fanning thanked the owners, trainers, stable staff, fellow jockeys, racecourse officials and racing fans who supported him throughout his career.

"I've been privileged to do a job I've loved for so many years, and I'll always be grateful for the opportunities and friendships the sport has given me."