Grand National winning jockey announces retirement moments after winning final race at Limerick

LEADING jockey Daryl Jacob has retired - 24 hours after romping to victory.

The 2012 Grand National winner on Neptune Collonges made his shock announcement after steering Impaire Et Passe to an impressive win in the Grade 1 Faugheen Novices Chase at Limerick.

Irishman Jacob, 41, racked up more than 1,000 career three triumphs, including three successes at the Cheltenham Festival.

Just two months ago the National Hunt rider had revealed it would "definitely" be his final season.

But rather than wait until next May, Jacob has chosen to hang up his saddle on a high.

He guided top prospect Impaire Et Passe, the 8-13 favourite, to a highly-professional victory by four lengths.

Jockey and horse always looked comfortable.

And after working his way through the seven-horse field, Jacob jumped the last fence supremely to clinch a swansong triumph.

Jacob said of his mount: "He was very good, he really picked up from the back of the second-last and was good, brave and long at the last.

"Please God he comes out of this well and is an exciting horse for the 'double green' for the rest of the season."

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Having bowed out at Leopardstown on Saturday, Jacob wrote in his : "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.