VETERAN jockey Shane Scriven has announced his retirement.

Scriven hadn't ridden since June 23 and found his latest comeback attempt too hard an ask.

Earlier this year the 46-year-old endured a punishing fitness and dieting regime to return for the winter carnival, where he teamed with his dual Doomben Cup winner Scenic Shot.

That comeback followed his suspension for the infamous whip stealing incident at Ipswich last year.

He rode his last winner on Cyclone Al at Doomben on June 20 to complete a winning double.

"The decision was inevitable," Scriven said.

"Unless I am 100 per cent, it just doesn't work. It was a pretty easy decision to make and I knew it was coming."

Scriven battled weight troubles for much of his 33 year career.

He intends to take a good break with his family but indicated he would like to maintain an association with racing.