A Melbourne Cup-winning jockey has announced his retirement, ending a storied career that began as an apprentice in Stawell and saw him achieve over 2100 wins both in Australia and internationally.

Brett Prebble shared his decision on Tuesday morning, expressing a mix of emotions but certainty that the time was right. "I’ve had the most incredible career," he stated. "I’m fortunate to leave my time in the saddle as a fit, healthy, happy, and content 46-year-old. Over four decades of riding, I’ve seen how dangerous and life-changing this job can be."

Prebble's career highlights include victories in the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, Golden Slipper, and a successful 15-year stint in Hong Kong where he secured over 800 wins, including the Hong Kong Derby. He also notched impressive Group 1 wins in Japan and Singapore.

Reflecting on his achievements, Prebble remarked, "It’s surreal. My career feels real but also leaves me lost for words."

Prebble began his career at age 14 as an apprentice to Terry O’Sullivan before moving to Melbourne to train under Hall of Fame trainer John Meagher, who helped him secure his first G1 win in the 1995 Sydney Cup on Daacha.

In 1999, Prebble set a record with nine wins at the Melbourne Cup Carnival, a feat he repeated the next year. His record stood until 2021 when James McDonald surpassed it with 10 wins.

Prebble moved to Hong Kong in late 2002, where he rode top horses like Bullish Luck, Cape Of Good Hope, Lucky Nine, and Sacred Kingdom, and formed a notable rivalry with Douglas Whyte, competing fiercely in six premierships.

Despite his base in Hong Kong, Prebble maintained strong ties to Australian racing, winning the 2010 Golden Slipper on Crystal Lily and the 2012 Melbourne Cup on Green Moon.

He returned to Australia in 2018 and was a standout in the 2021 Spring Racing Carnival, securing five G1 wins, including a dominant performance on Incentivise in the Caulfield Cup.

Prebble’s final win came aboard Eagle Nest in November last year, and his last day of racing was at Rosehill in February.

Post-retirement, Prebble plans to focus on his business, Persuader International. "While my life as a jockey has been remarkable, I’m proud to transition into helping run Persuader International, which is poised for significant growth," he said.

The Prebble legacy continues with his son Tom, a successful apprentice jockey in Victoria, ensuring the family name remains prominent in racing circles.