Gary Stevens, who enjoyed a successful spell as stable jockey to Michael Stoute during the summer, has announced his retirement.

The American, who won the Kentucky Derby three times, said he was quitting the saddle immediately because of degenerative arthritis to his right knee.

Stevens was attempting to come back from surgery on the knee performed shortly after the Breeders' Cup in November, but told reporters after the Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita on Sunday (in which he finished unplaced on Desert Hero) the pain from riding had become too much.

Stevens rode 46 winners in Britain during his 12-week long stay this year, with the most important victory coming aboard Royal Anthem in the Juddmonte International at York in August. He also won the Canadian International aboard the colt in 1998.

Royal Anthem's former trainer Henry Cecil said of Stevens: "He was obviously a great jockey and that kind of talent will be sadly missed."