Darley took the honours in 2000 but announced his impending retirement earlier in the week after a 31-year career which has seen him bag numerous high-profile contests.

Although Darley was without a winner on Town Moor, he received a barnstorming send-off by affectionate fellow riders, who watched on in mischievous glee as the popular rider made a meal of handling a large bottle of champagne.

“It’s a cardinal sin in Yorkshire to be spilling your drink,” Darley joked afterwards.

“I’d just like to thank all the owners and trainers who have helped me over the years, and also all the Yorkshire racegoers.

“I’ve been doing this for so long that I expect it will take a long time for me to get it all out of my system.”

Darley enjoyed a superb career in the saddle with a final winning tally exceeding 2,500 victories across the globe.

Based at Lower Dunsforth near York, the former champion consistently held his own against the very best in the business since winning the leading apprentice title in 1978.

Having learnt his trade under the sage guidance of Reg Hollinshead, the well-regarded pilot enjoyed associations with a number of trainers including Mark Johnston, for whom he rode Attraction to land the English and Irish 1000 Guineas as well as the Coronation Stakes and Sun Chariot three years ago.

Other noteworthy victories include the 2002 St Leger aboard Bollin Eric and the French Derby on Celtic Swing, whom he nominated as the horse whose name evokes the happiest memories.

“I’d have to say Celtic Swing, as he was a horse that did so much for me,” he said.

“I was also instrumental in buying him for Peter Savill and it was just very special to see him do what he did on the track.”

One of Darley’s last big-race triumphs came at York, his local track, where Reverence showed the way home in the Nunthorpe last year.

And such was Darley’s affinity with racing in the north, it was highly appropriate the softly-spoken rider should bring the curtain down on his career at Doncaster.

He concluded: “It is sad to leave all this behind me but I’m looking forward to it as well now as I’ve had a really good innings.

“I’ve been riding for 31 years and I’ve enjoyed some really brilliant times.

“I’ve been champion apprentice and then champion jockey, so what more can I ask for?

“It’s certainly a fitting place for me to bow out. I’ve won three Racing Post Trophys here in my time riding and I won my first British Classic on Bollin Eric.

“I’m not sure exactly what I’ll do now and I have an open book really, but I’ll wait until the new year and see what’s there for me.

“Hopefully it’ll be something still in racing.”