Jockey Tony Dobbin bowed out with victory aboard Ballyvoge at Carlisle on Thursday - although the veteran was made to work harder than expected.

Dobbin, who had announced that he would retire prior to the Dobbs Finale & Future Best Wishes Novices' Chase, was expected to beat four rivals on the 4/11 shot.

However, the well-backed Lord Samposin ridden by Michael McAlister, threw down a serious challenge in the straight forcing Dobbin to pull out all the stops in familiar fashion.

Despite making mistakes at the final three fences, Lord Samposin was still in with a chance on the run-in before McAlister dropped his reins in an untidy drive to the line, allowing Ballyvoge to win by threequarters of a length.

Dobbin, who was given a guard of honour by his colleagues on leaving the weighing room for the final time, is to assist his partner Rose Davidson in a training venture in 2009.

"I was very emotional as a result of the reception from racegoers in the stands as we cantered to post, but I wasn't after the race race, I was too tired!" admitted the Ulsterman.

"When I came over here 20 years ago (from Ireland) my aim was to be a successful jockey and now I want to make a success of training with Rose."

The Carlisle stewards were not happy with the ride given to the second, however, and McAlister was found in breach of Rule 157 and referred to British Horseracing Authority headquarters.

Trainer Maurice Barnes was exonerated of any blame.