Darren Beadman, the dual Melbourne Cup winning jockey, is to forsake his riding career for the church. He plans to retire from racing on St Stephen's Day. The devoutly religious Beadman, 32, plans to become a minister of the Born Again Christian Church.

"It is something I felt I had to do. I am prepared to give everything to serve God, `' he explained.

Beadman's otherwise successful career met a setback in 1993 when he was suspended for nine months by the Hong Kong Jockey Club for not allowing one of his mounts to run on its merits.

His winning exploits also include victories in the Golden Slipper Stakes, the Cox Plate and the Hong Kong International Bowl on Monopolize. He also boasts two Sydney jockeys' championships, and his retirement will leave a void among the ranks of Australian riders.