GRAND National-winning jockey Daryl Jacob has announced he will call time on his career after riding at Leopardstown on Sunday, fresh from recording the final Grade 1 winner of his career at Limerick on Sunday aboard Impaire Et Passe.

The Co Wexford native had previously indicated he would bow out at the end of this season. However, Simon Munir and Isaac Souede’s retained jockey says he will now hang up his boots after partnering the Joseph O’Brien-trained Mr Percy for the same owners in the Listed Neville Hotels Premier Handicap Hurdle (3.05) tomorrow.

Jacob, who turned 41 in August, has built a superb CV of big-race wins, notching 31 Grade 1s and joining an elite group of riders to partner 1,000 career winners last month. His most famous triumph came in the 2012 Grand National aboard 33/1 shot Neptune Collonges, edging out Sunnyhillboy in a photo finish.

Jacob told Sporting Life: “It’s the right decision at the right time. I’ve worked very hard to get back from injury this season and I knew I had some good opportunities this Christmas including in the Grade 1.

“To ride Impaire Et Passe there to win the Grade 1, it will be very difficult to beat that now and finishing at Leopardstown, where I won my first Grade 1, feels right.

“I’ve always wanted to retire on my terms, riding good horses, and Impaire Et Passe has been one of our best horses. He’s very special to me.

“It’s been a tough road and hard work. It was a real battle at Oaksey House to get fit for this festive period and the shoulder feels good, but I can’t better this, riding a Grade 1 for Simon and Isaac.

“I have to thank my family, Simon, Isaac and Anthony Bromley and all of the medics that have looked after me. A special mention too to Robert and Sally Alner, the boss has made every career decision I ever made including to ride for Simon and Isaac.

“They were very important people that have been with me throughout my career.

“It has been wonderful. I’ve ridden a Grand National winner, now 31 Grade 1 winners, I’ve ridden over 1,000 winners.

“I’ve been very lucky. I’ve battled with my weight over the years, I’m not getting any younger, I’ve had to work hard with my weight and it doesn’t get any easier.

“I’m looking forward to new opportunities, being part of the Double Green team going forward – I’ll still be an integral part of the team.”