Pat Eddery signed off after an illustrious career as a jockey with three rides in Mauritius yesterday, but there was no fairytale ending.

The 11-times champion jockey came nearest to winning when he finished second on his opening ride on Milad, but his other mounts proved disappointing.

It could not stop Eddery enjoying the day, however, and his face was wreathed in smiles as he said goodbye after 36 years in the saddle.

After Michael Kinane and Darryll Holland had showered him in champagne, he said: ''I came here because I have never ridden a winner here and I really wanted to come away with one, but it wasn't to be.

''I still had a really good time and enjoyed every minute of it. The Mauritius Turf Club has always been good to me and I will come back here, but only for a holiday.

''I thought I was going to win that first race, but the other guy just caught me in the end. That's life, and I am not going to cry over it. I am too old for that.