Philip Robinson has announced his retirement from riding but is considering taking up a career in training.
Rakti one of the best but Crimplene was special
Philip Robinson may not be lost to racing having announced his retirement from riding with the former jockey considering a career in training.
Robinson, 50, has called time on a distinguished 33-year career which included Classic honours both domestically and overseas.
His association with racing might not be over just yet, however.
He said: "I'm looking forward to my retirement a great deal.
"I've got a couple of things to explore, but I'm not quite sure which way to go at the moment.
"I'm doing my trainer's modules, just in case that's the road I want to go down, but it's only an option at this stage, and I'm certainly in no rush.
"I'm very pleased with how my career has gone.
"It's been a lot of hard work, but I've taken a lot of enjoyment out of it."
Hard Act To Follow
Newmarket-based Robinson twice claimed the 1000 Guineas, aboard Pebbles (1984) and Ameerat (2001), and also teamed up with Bob's Return to take the 1993 St Leger.
He also won the Irish 1,000 Guineas with Katies (1984) and Crimplene (2000), while savouring French Derby glory aboard Holding Court in 2000.
Rakti, on whose roll of honour included the Champion Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, was one of the finest horses he has ever ridden and was a major highlight of a 20-year association with Michael Jarvis, who died last week.
Jarvis was also responsible for Robinson's Classic triumphs with Holding Court and Ameerat.
Robinson said: "I was lucky to have Michael Jarvis in my life.
"I think him passing away last week made me sit back and realise that there's more important things in life than race-riding.
"If there was another Michael Jarvis out there I could have gone on for a few more years.
"The fact is that there is only one Michael Jarvis and he was always going to be such a hard act to follow.
"I miss him greatly, as a boss and a great friend."
Biggest Achievement
Twice a champion apprentice jockey, Robinson also enjoyed great success overseas - especially in Hong Kong, where he was crowned champion jockey two times during a six-year hiatus from Britain.
Robinson continued: "The Hong Kong experience was one of my biggest achievements.
"I was lucky enough to have my family with me all the time in Hong Kong and that (Hong Kong champion jockeys' title) was something I had set my sights on.
"I was never one for going for numbers in Britain - it was more quality that I was looking for - but to be champion jockey twice in Hong Kong gave me great delight.
Greatest Challenge
"I've ridden some great horses and Rakti was certainly the greatest challenge, but I always think it's unfair to label one horse as my favourite.
"That said, I always had a soft spot for Crimplene because of how game she was and how much improvement she made.
"I always she was just a Listed horse, but then she won the Guineas, the Coronation and the Nassau.
"She was a real fighter."
Robinson was this season briefly reunited with Clive Brittain, who nurtured the talents of Crimplene and Pebbles, when Jarvis retired in February.
His last winner was Miblish at Newbury on September 17.
Robinson concluded: "You've got to draw the line somewhere, and this felt like the right time."
