The aches and pains associated with being a jockey has resulted in Dale Smith retiring from the saddle.

After 20 years of booting home winners on racetracks around Australia, Smith will now work in real estate.

"Over the past 20 years of riding, all the injuries have come to a head," Smith told RSN927.

"I love the sport, I love the game but it came to a time where I just had to make a decision with all the aches and pains.

"I was waking up of a morning being sore most of the time. That was what pushed me over the edge to say enough was enough."

Smith said Darren Hutchins, son of Sale-based trainer Ian, put the idea of a change of career into his head.

A hip injury in June was the final straw for Smith who in recent months has completed a real estate course and in the past couple of weeks has undertaken work experience.

"This is a great transition for me," he said.

The 35 year-old competed in around 21,000 races over his 20 years in the saddle, booting home almost 2000 winners.