Champion jockey Corey Brown has been forced into a premature retirement upon medical advice.

Brown fell from Lord Arthur at the 2019 Queensland Derby, damaging his spinal column.

The 44-year-old jockey told Ray Hadley he’ll undergo a spinal fusion procedure, but his surgeon warned it’s “too risky to ever get back on a horse” afterwards.

He faces a gruelling 12-month recovery before returning to a pain-free, relatively normal life.

“I’ve been a little bit teary-eyed this morning … but it’s been a great career. I’ve had a lot of fun.”

Asked what his plans for the future are, Brown said he’d love to take on a role with an apprentice academy, in addition to some media work.

“I’d like to give something back that I’ve received.”

Ray commended the two-time Melbourne Cup winner on his future career choice.

“I’m sure Peter V’landys is interested to hear that the great Corey Brown’s prepared to be a mentor for young riders into the future.

“They’ll benefit greatly by your experiences.”

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Image: Reg Ryan/Racing Photos via Getty Images