LOUISVILLE - Three-time Kentucky Derby winning jockey and Louisiana native Calvin Borel says he is retiring.

According to The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., Borel informed his agent Larry Melancon that he is retiring effective immediately.

Borel is the only jockey to win three Derbies in four years. The 49-year-old St. Mary Parish native rode Street Sense, Mine That Bird and Super Savor to three victories in 4 years between 2007-2010.

Equibase reports that Borel has 5,146 wins in all.

“My first thought when I heard the news: I’d say we’re losing a great person out of the industry,” Jerry Hissam told the courier-journal. Hissam was Borel’s agent for 24 years.

“He will miss it, but then you get involved with family and home things. We’ve traveled and been on the road all our lives,” he said.