Danny Miller has no intention of retiring until he wins his first Perth Cup.
The effervescent 68-year-old, Australia's oldest professional jockey, started riding in 1962 when Robert Menzies was Prime Minister and remains committed to the saddle.
Last Saturday he was rewarded for his daily drive from Armadale to Ascot when Spangled Impact blew away her rivals in the Crystal Slipper Stakes (1100m), her second metropolitan win in as many starts for her owner-trainer Mike Santich.
Santich is confident Spangled Impact has the ability to contend in next year's $500,000 Karra-katta Plate (1200m) and has spelled her with the Group 2 feature in mind.
Miller, who won the 1992 Karrakatta on Dynamic Beau, is committed to Pinjarra Cup winner Kirov Boy in his quest for a breakthrough win in the Perth Cup (2400m) on   January 2.
Miller said he couldn't afford to slow down, given he was building a home at the family's new property at Coolup. 
"Soon I will be driving 112 hours to ride Spangled Impact in her trackwork," Miller said.
"I have no plans to retire. My son Damian has set up stables and has a track on the property.
"I have been flat strap with the Inters on.
"I've ridden in England, Victoria and Queensland and am enjoying it all too much to retire. 
"In a couple of years I may slow down and help Damian. 
"I'll tell you what ... if I win the Perth Cup then I can retire."
Miller said it was hard not to be impressed by Spangled Impact.
"She looks to have plenty of potential," Miller said. 
"She is not a big filly, but they don't have to be big to be good."
Spangled Impact's sire, Demerit, had his breeding career put on hold when he was seriously injured in a paddock accident in   September.
The setback forced the son of Lonhro to miss this year's stud season, but he is now on the road to recovery after emergency surgery.