IRISH-AMERICAN jockey Declan Murphy, who has thrilled racegoers in at least four different racing jurisdictions, has called it a day.
Murphy, whose Hong Kong career was particularly successful, decided against taking out a licence at Taipa for the coming season, having moved to Macau three years ago.
Murphy's career featured a constant battle against weight and it is unlikely that any rider has seen more lettuce leaves than the former New York apprentice. He lived on little else for years.
As in Hong Kong, Murphy enjoyed considerable success at Taipa, riding largely for trainer-brother Joe. But now it is officially all over.
'I have had a tremendous time and enjoyed nearly all of it. But there comes a time when you have just had enough of wasting to make any sort of weight.
'It was well worth coming across to Macau when Joe got the licence and it has been a pleasure to ride for him,' said Murphy, who is already well down the road to a new career.