End of the road: Kieren Fox gives up on his career as a jockey for tarmacing

Jockey Kieren Fox is swapping riding for tarmacing roads after he finished fifth on his final ride at Chelmsford on Friday evening.

The 30-year-old cited the financial uncertainties of riding and wanting to see more of his family as the major reasons for retiring.

The jockey, who was prominent aboard 11-4 favourite Ignatius before the gelding faded in the 1m5½f handicap, said: “I'm going to work on the roads, tarmacing. It's completely different, an eight-till-five job, but it's good money and it's regular. It's something I can't really turn away.

“There comes a time when you've got to put family first. I want to be a good role model to my kids, I want to spend time with my children and I'm not really getting the right amount of rides to make it worth my while. It's not really working for me.”

Berrahri (left) in action at St MoritzCredit: Matthias Hangst (Getty Images)

Fox rode 223 winners in Britain as well as enjoying success abroad, including winning the Grosser Preis von St Moritz on the snow last year aboard Berrahri for his major supporter John Best.

The rider, who overcame a gambling addiction which required a spell in rehab, said the figures involved with being a jockey were making it too difficult to make ends meet.

He told Sky Sports Racing: “It's not knowing where your next bit of money's coming from, going to Wolverhampton for one ride or going to Southwell for one ride and by the time you've taken out your fuel, your travelling expenses, your agent, your valet, your tax, you just walk away with absolutely nothing.

“It's time that I put a bit of time aside and spent some more time with the children. You want to take the children on holiday then someone says you can't miss this ride because if someone else wins on it I won't be able to get you back on it.”

He added: “Don't get me wrong, when racing is good it's the best job in the world but there are a lot of jockeys who will be struggling and it will be hard to make a real good living doing this game."

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