The retirement of a great sportsman is always an inevitable eventuality, although when that time finally comes, it’s hard not to greet such a moment with a tinge of sadness. That said, following the retirement of champion jockey Barry Geraghty, there’s also plenty to celebrate about his illustrious career.
40-year-old Geraghty announced his decision to retire via Twitter in July 11, accompanied by a photograph of himself with his family, keen to thank them for their support over the years. “I’ve been blessed to have had a wonderful career and I’m looking forward to what the future holds,” he added.
After riding 1,920 winners during his illustrious career, Geraghty said that he won’t be disappearing from the horse racing scene completely. Although immediate plans include some well-earned rest and relaxation, plus the opportunity to spend more time with his family, Geraghty hinted towards sharing his experience as a pundit.
A big thank you to my Family Friends and Everyone who has supported me over the last 24 years tonight I am happy to say I am announcing my retirement…. I’ve been blessed to have had a wonderful career and I’m looking to what the future holds….윃됶윣⑽윉랅윆 pic.twitter.com/UoD5HKfN3k
— Barry Geraghty (@BarryJGeraghty) July 11, 2020
Pursuing a career in bloodstock will also be a keen focus for the future, with success already achieved in this area. Given his vast knowledge, having learned so much from some of the very best trainers and breeders around, Geraghty will hopefully remain an influential figure in horse racing for many years to come.
Always a popular and familiar figure at so many headline race meetings over the years, it will seem strange not seeing Geraghty riding in his traditional green and yellow hoops. When fans and racegoers are checking the odds on horse racing at major events over the coming months, such as the King George Weekend at Ascot or the five-day Glorious Goodwood festival, the absence of Geraghty as one of the jockeys will be notable.
Having ridden five winners at the 2020 Cheltenham Festival, extending his record to 43 triumphs at the famous event over the years, that’s perhaps where Geraghty in the saddle will be most sorely missed by fans. His own record for wins at Cheltenham is only surpassed by his legendary compatriot, Ruby Walsh, who amassed a remarkable haul of 59 winning rides.
Moscow Flyer is the horse which brought Geraghty his first Cheltenham Festival victory, in the 2002 Arkle Challenge Trophy. This excellent partnership of horse and jockey would also achieve further victories at Cheltenham, winning the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2003 and 2005. Career highlights for Geraghty at Cheltenham also include his two Gold Cup victories, riding Kicking King in 2005 and Bobs Worth in 2003.
Geraghty rode in every Grand National that was held between 2000 and 2014, which is often considered one of the most challenging races in the world, not to mention one of the most famous. Despite a mixed record over the iconic Aintree racecourse, Geraghty did manage to claim victory at the 2003 Grand National with Monty’s Pass, while also placing third and fourth with Slim Pickings in 2007 and 2008.
Like many of the best jockeys, Geraghty suffered his fair share of injuries during his lengthy and successful career. However, he was always eager to get back in the saddle at the first opportunity, which demonstrates how much he thrived in the ‘Sport of Kings’ as a leading protagonist. Thanks to his exceptional record and character, Geraghty will surely continue to be considered as jockey royalty, amongst racing fans.