Sean Curran is to take a break from racing after deciding to quit training at Hatford, near Stanford in the Vale.

The 39-year-old, who saddled Iris de Balme to win the 2008 Scottish National at 66-1, has decided not to renew his licence at the end of the month after becoming “tired of working all day”.

Curran, who switched straight to training from being a jockey, sent out his last runner when Smoking finished unplaced at Wincanton on Saturday.

“I have got fed up with it,” he said. “I have been doing it too long and just need a break.

“I am not saying I am retiring from it, but taking time out.

“I left race-riding and went training. I never had time to think and just relax and see a bit of the world.

“I am going to South Africa on January 21 to see a few friends and I might come back for a little bit and then go down to Aus-tralia.”

Curran (pictured), who has sent out almost 50 winners since starting training in 2006, added: “The main problem is the prize money – it is terrible.”

But he looks back on the success of Iris de Balme, who is back in pre-training, with fond memories.

The 11-year-old is owned by former Norwich City and Republic of Ireland footballer Lee Power, who has moved from Brize Norton to Geneva.

“It was just the highlight of my career,” he said.

Meanwhile, Aston Rowant trainer Lawney Hill equalled last season’s personal best of 18 winners when Universal Soldier recorded a runaway success at Chepstow.

The six-year-old coasted home by 15 lengths from Stow under Harry Skelton in the three-mile handicap hurdle.

Universal Soldier is owned by Llanelli Scarlets and former New Zealand rugby union star Regan King and his partner, Lindie Donaldson.

Mark Bradstock, who trains at Letcombe Bassett, near Wantage, had a nice surprise when Radetsky March won at 20-1 over timber at Huntingdon.

Better known as a chaser, the eight-year-old stormed home by 12 lengths from Faultless Feelings under Jason Maguire in a novices’ hurdle over an extended two miles and a half miles.

“That was lovely,” said Brad-stock. “He was dying for a run so we went for it.”