Jockey Tony Dobbin finished his career on a high with victory on Ballyvoge in the Dobbs Finale & Future Best Wishes Novices' Chase at Carlisle.
Dobbin had to work hard on the 4-11 favourite, trained by his boss Nicky Richards, before triumphing by three-quarters of a length.
The 35-year-old won the 1997 Grand National on Lord Gyllene.
He now intends to assist girlfriend Rose Davidson at a purpose-built training venture from 2009.
"I was very emotional as a result of the reception from racegoers in the stands as we cantered to post, but I wasn't after the race, I was too tired!" said the Ulsterman.
"When I came over here 20 years ago (from Ireland) my aim was to be a successful jockey and now I want to make a success of training with Rose."
Born in Downpatrick, Dobbin has partnered almost 1,200 winners in his career to become the seventh most prolific jockey ever.
606: DEBATE
"I'm 36 next month and it seems the right time to do it," said Dobbin. "Rose is going into training next year and I'm going to be assistant to her.
"I'm going to work for Kevin Ryan in the summer and for Jonjo O'Neill at Jackdaws Castle for more experience to see the training side of things.
"It's back to basics now. It's one thing getting off a horse, it's different when you have to care for them," he said.
Dobbin began his racing apprenticeship with O'Neill in 1988 and rode his first winner on the Flat aboard Stay Awake at Hamilton in 1990.
He later graduated to the National Hunt game and became champion conditional jockey in the 1993-94 season with 45 winners.
"I've been very lucky in my career - I've ridden for some good people and ridden some good horses"
In 1994, Dobbin assumed the important role as stable jockey to Gordon Richards.
That year he partnered One Man to victory in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury.
The 1997 National win came in a race which was delayed by two days because of an IRA bomb threat, and then run the following Monday.
He added: "Lord Gyllene in the Grand National is definitely one of my best highlights.
"I've been very lucky in my career. I've ridden for some good people and ridden some good horses.
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~36~RS~)