The 72 year old began his career as a provincial jockey in 1951 and rode more than 400 winners over a 26-year period.

Born with racing in his veins, Haystead comes from a family of horse trainers spanning back to the 1800s.

"It lives in your blood and it's still hard to shake even after 70 years," he said.

"But my best and most memorable win was in the Moree Cup around 1968 on Royal Planet."

In 1977 he made the move from riding to training and has spent the past 33 years turning out winners.

"I'd say I've had more than 300 winners on provincial and Sydney tracks," he said.

His proudest accomplishment was horse Castanilla which won the 1987 Carnival Cup in Queensland beating former Cox Plate, Doncaster Cup and Derby winners.

While Haystead will never lose his passion for all things equine, he said it was time to retire.

"It's getting harder and harder and provincial and country racing has almost had it because all the investments are going to Sydney and metropolitan race meets," he said.

"I can see it all slipping away which is sad because country meets are the nursery ground of racing."

He aims to remain involved with the sport by helping mates train and keeping a horse on his property for riding.