17 April 2024 , 17:01
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Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey Paddy Brennan has quit the saddle after riding his 1,516th winner from more than 10,000 rides.
The 43-year-old announced he was bowing out at his home Cheltenham track moments after winning a handicap chase on Man Of The People for trainer Fergal O’Brien.
He told RacingTV: “It’s been a rollercoaster, so many ups, so many downs, but I feel like I’ve got to the end of the ocean and walked onto the beach.
“It’s been on my mind a few weeks, I’ve been asking opinions but I went for a coffee with my wife this morning and I felt certain. It’s time for the next generation of jockeys.”
Brennan rode Imperial Commander to defeat Denman in the 2010 Gold Cup but also enjoyed big race success on Inglis Drever in the 2007 Stayers’ Hurdle and as the regular partner of Cue Card.
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He added: “I’ve worked with the best in the game, there are young lads in the weighing room now but I’ve worked with them all. It’s a tough gig, it’s constant.
“It’s special. If I hadn’t had a winner today, there was tomorrow. I thought my ace card today was Kamsinas but you want to go out here and to go out on a winner is extra special.
“I’ve left my mark in the weighing room, I’ve been a strict kind of lad, done plenty of shouting, but I love them all. Being a jockey is 95 per cent disappointment. I’ve had some enjoyment but I’m ready for the next chapter.
Imperial Commander (Paddy Brennan) races clear of Denman in the 2010 Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (Getty)“Imperial Commander has to be the highlight, winning a Gold Cup, but I’ll never forget Cue Card winning the King George, beating Ruby Walsh on Vautour, you’re taking on the best and getting him up that day was something I was really proud of.
“I’ve never had a proper break, as even when you go away, you are always thinking of the next ride – I just want a break from all that. I’ve a couple of things lined up but I’ve had a good day today.
“I often think sometimes I wave to the stand here there might be nobody in it, but when you just drive past here to go shopping, you get tingles, it’s that kind of place, the people make it extra special but even when it’s empty it is unique. It’s home from home.”