MULTIPLE Grade 1-winning jockey Denis O’Regan, one of the most stylish riders of his generation, has announced his retirement from the saddle with immediate effect after riding in the opening race of the Navan Racing Festival on Saturday.

The 41-year-old from Youghal, Co Cork memorably partnered Inglis Drever (World Hurdle) and Tidal Bay (Arkle) to success at the 2008 Cheltenham Festival, and was still riding top-level winners as recently as November 2021 when capturing the Drinmore Novice Chase on Beacon Edge.