Richard Hills, principal jockey to Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, the deputy ruler of Dubai, is to retire after Dubai World Cup night on March 31.
Hills, whose career has spanned 33 years, rode five British Classic winners for Sheikh Hamdan, taking the 1,000 Guineas on Harayir (1995), Lahan (2000) and Ghanaati (2009).
He won the 2,000 Guineas on Haafhd in 2004 and the Oaks on the Michael Jarvis-trained Eswarah in 2005.
In 1999, Hills won the Dubai World Cup on the Saeed Bin Suroor-trained Almutawakel.
In a statement, Hills said: “It has been my privilege to ride for Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum as first jockey for the last 15 years and previously as second jockey to (Willie) Carson for two years.
“No jockey could have ridden for a more loyal and supportive owner.
“I was very fortunate to start my career with a great man in Tom Jones and without him much of what I have achieved would not have been possible.”
He became the second jockey of Sheikh Hamdan Ain 1995, and was promoted to first jockey in 1997 following the retirement of Willie Carson.
Shadwell Racing is the horse racing operation of Sheikh Hamdan.
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