Carroll, John

Northern-based jockey John Carroll decided to retire from race-riding after a career spanning a quarter of a century.The son of a miner, Carroll, 41, - born at Bentley, Doncaster, on April 15, 1964 -was best remembered for his partnership with retired Cockerham trainer Jack Berry, for whom his numerous winners included star sprinters Paris House and Mind Games. He won the Temple and Palace House Stakes on both horses in the 1990s, but Carroll's sole Group One success came on 25-1 shot Invincible Spirit for John Dunlop in the 2002 Stanley Leisure Sprint Cup at

Haydock.He was also part of the Godolphin team and was one of the first British jockeys to ride in Dubai. His biggest triumph over there came on Infinite Spirit in the 2002 UAE 1000 Guineas.

"His body has cried enough - his weight has been a major factor in his decision," said his agent Tony Hind. "His weight had always been good at 8st 4lb and 8st 5lb, but it's been very difficult for him this year. We take for granted what jockeys do for us, but don't think of the sacrifices they make."

Carroll began his career as an apprentice with the late Gordon Richards for three years before joining Berry.

His first winner was on Helvic at Pontefract on 5 August,1981 and his last on the Kevin Ryan-trained Fangorn Forest at Beverley.

Berry, whose stables are now in the hands of his son Alan, was surprised on hearing the news.He said: "He's some man and we made a good team. He rode over 500 winners for us. We travelled millions of miles around the country and we never fell out once."

"I'm sad he's packed it in and that he didn't finish on a winner for us. He's very well-respected and always gave you 110%."

John Carroll rode over 1,000 winners before retiring in 2005.

Biggest wins:

1994: Norfolk Stakes - Mind Games

1998: Norfolk Stakes - Rosselli

2002: Stanley Leisure Sprint Cup - Invincible Spirit