VETERAN jumps jockey Paddy Brennan has hung up his boots after 24 successful years in the saddle.
The Irishman announced his retirement after riding Manothepeople to victory in the big three-mile handicap chase at Cheltenham.
He stood up in his irons crossing the line and waved to the crowd, while his weighing room colleagues formed a guard of honour as he walked back into the winners’ enclosure.
Brennan, 43, was champion conditional jockey in the 2004-05 season and went on to ride over 1,500 winners, including in some of the biggest jumps races around.
His most famous victory came in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Imperial Commander in 2010, while he also formed a memorable partnership with Colin Tizzard’s fan favourite Cue Card.
Brennan said: “I’ve been mulling it over for weeks but I decided with my wife this morning it was time to call it a day.
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“I’m so proud to go out with a winner. It’s very special to do it here at Cheltenham in front of the best and most knowledgeable fans in the sport.
“And of course having a winner for Fergal O’Brien, who I’ve had an amazing time with over the last few years, it doesn’t get better than that.
“Imperial Commander was obviously amazing, but I will never forget getting up on Cue Card in the King George against Ruby Walsh – I’m very proud of that.”
He will now take a break with his family while he decides what is the next step in his career.
But there were no shortage of tributes, including from his boss O’Brien who said: “Paddy is an amazing jockey and an amazing man.
“He has been a huge part of our team, we have had some unbelievable days together and for him to go out on a high like this is what he deserves.”
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