Adam Pogson retires after 16-year career and will start training next year

Jockey Adam Pogson called time on his riding career at Southwell on Sunday after finishing fourth on Shady Oaks in the novice chase.

The 35-year-old, who had signalled his intention to quit the ranks in advance, said: "I've been riding for 16 years and I've always enjoyed it but decided a couple of week ago to finish. I'm pleased to get out in one piece.

"When I first started I could do 10st but in recent years I've been struggling to do 11st. It's not so bad controlling your weight if you're riding all the time, but often I have only three or four rides a week."

Pogson has infrequently hit the headlines but did ride more than 100 winners, including at Cheltenham and Aintree.

He added: "My first winner was at Catterick 15 years ago. I enjoyed riding any winner, even if it were just in a selling race; those horses were often more of a challenge than the good ones."

Pogson has two more modules to complete before he can receive his trainer's licence but aims to take over from his father Charlie in January.

Adam Pogson: had his last ride at Southwell

"Ever since I started riding I've assisted my father in the training side at our farm in Farnsfield, which is just 15 minutes away from here," he said.

"We have some great facilities and I have a few new ideas so I hope I get some nice horses to train."

One will be his last ride, Shady Oaks, who on only his second start over fences ran a blinder to finish a close fourth in what was a classy novice chase.

It wasn't quite the perfect finish to his career, but his fellow jockeys applauded him as he entered the parade ring for the final time in his rider's silks, and then came out for a presentation of a photo montage of his notable winners by the course chief executive Mark Clayton.

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