Culloty won the Gold Cup and the Grand National in 2002

The 31-year-old is expected to ride as a freelance.

But the Irish jockey, who also won the Grand National in 2002, will maintain his association with Best Mate.

Best Mate's owner Jim Lewis said: "As long as Jim is available to ride Best Mate and my other horses, he will always be there as number one choice."

Culloty, who is currently on the sidelines after injuring his arm in a fall last month, has ridden Best Mate on all three of his Cheltenham blue riband triumphs.