Gerald Mosse, one of France's most respected post-World War II jockeys, retired from the saddle after a storied four-decade career on Sunday.

The 57-year-old's life as a professional rider began in April 1983 and ended 41 years later, sadly not in fairytale fashion when beaten at home in the big handicap of the day at Chantilly.

Mosse, who is planning to start training, has a sideboard laden with some of the biggest prizes in the sport.

These include the 1990 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Saumarez, five French Oaks, three French Derbies, and the 2010 Melbourne Cup on Americain.

He also enjoyed fruitful spells riding in Hong Kong, and hangs up his saddle within touching distance of 100 Group One victories.

"You have to know when it's time to go," Mosse, who was renowned for his elegant riding style, said in announcing his retirement at Lonchamp on Saturday.

"After long reflection I've decided it's time to move on to my second career.

"Riding racehorses has been my passion and I hope the second part of my racing life will be even better," added Mosse, who took out a trainer's licence in 2022 and has a stables all prepared in Chantilly, the headquarters of French flat racing north of Paris.