Jumps jockey David Mullins has decided to retire from professional riding at the age of 24 after falling out of love with the game.

Mullins rode the Mouse Morris trained horse 'Rule the World' to win the 2016 Aintree Grand National at the age of only 19.

The horse, who had never won a race over fences under rules, gave Mullins his greatest day in the sport in the silks of owner Michael O'Leary.

Mullins is the son of trainer Tom and the nephew of champion handler Willie Mullins.

A winner of nine Grade One races, he told the Racing Post that it was time for a change in direction after being on the go since the age of 16.

"The bad times definitely outweighed the good. There were times when I might ride a winner, but I would come home depressed because the other three didn't win. I didn't want to end up being 35 years of age and having to start up something from the bottom. I'd rather be 24 and doing that."

Mullins does intend to stay in horse racing and will turn his attention to the sales.

"I love the sales and I really enjoy going to Goffs or Tatts and buying and selling horses. I like judging horses and trying to figure out what they might make. I get as much of a buzz out of that as I did riding winners."

In addition to his famous win on Rule the World, Mullins rode some excellent races, especially aboard Faugheen in the Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown.