Walter Swinburn to quit training

Former top jockey and trainer, Walter Swinburn is to take a step back from his seven-year training career and hand his licence in at the end of this season.

Walter Swinburn is best known for his record-breaking victory at the 1981 Epsom Derby on acclaimed colt Shergar where he won by a record 10 lengths – the longest winning margin in the race's 226-year history. Thirty years later he attended this year's Derby as Guest of Honour.

Swinburn has been training at Church Farm in Tring since 2004 after taking over the licence from his father-in-law and former trainer, Peter Harris and has sent out over 260 winners from his yard. He enjoyed his best season last year and recorded one of the biggest wins of his training career in June this year when Julienas won the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot.

It is thought that the current economic climate has played a large factor in Swinburn's decision and he may return if a backer can be found.