Jackson - the reigning Warrnambool Grand Annual Steeplechase-winning jockey - said he was comfortable with his decision to retire aged 34 with the 2021 jumps season only a few weeks away.

"I just thought it was the right time to retire," he told The Standard.

"I had been thinking about it for a couple of weeks. It would be very hard for me to replicate my last two seasons.

"I wanted to go out on my terms. I wanted to go out with people asking 'why are you giving it away' rather then people asking 'why hasn't he given it away a few years down the track'."

The Irish-born hoop, who arrived in Australia with his family in August 2012, was seen at the peak of his powers last season, stepping up to capture winning rides for the powerful Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable on Ablaze in the Warrnambool Grand Annual Steeplechase and Grand National Hurdle plus Bit Of Lad's victories in the Australian and Thackeray steeplechases.

He also rode the Patrick Payne-trained Slowpoke Rodriguez to victory in the Mosstrooper Steeplechase before claiming his second Tommy Corrigan Medal.

"I look back and think I've had a wonderful career," he said.

"I've ridden for some great trainers and been lucky to have rode some top horses but none were better than Ablaze.

"He was a champion jumper in my eyes. I've got no doubt I'll miss the race riding but I'll still be involved in racing as the stable foreman for Lindsey Smith.

"I really love working for Lindsey. He's a top trainer and I've learnt a lot about training horses from him."

The Irishman acknowledged the support he had received from his family during his career.

"My wife Lauren has been a tremendous backbone and supporter," he said.

"We've got our three children - Joseph, Bobby and Jimmy. Joseph was really upset when I told him the news.

"He used to love watching his dad ride in jumps races but that's over now."

The Tommy Corrigan Medal is presented to the leading jumps jockey in Victoria and South Australia each season.

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