Sir Michael Stoute has announced he is to retire from training at the end of the year.

The 78-year-old began training in 1972 and has been champion on 10 occasions. He is associated with a long list of great racehorses, headed by Shergar, the dual Derby winner of 1981.

He trained the Derby winner on six occasions and also won 10 other classics in Britain, plus 13 in Ireland. Other big race wins came in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Japan Cup, Dubai World Cup, Hong Kong Vase and the Breeders’ Cup.

In a statement issued on Tuesday lunchtime he said: “I have decided to retire from training at the end of this season. I would like to thank all my owners and staff for the support they have given me over the years. It has been a great and enjoyable journey.”