On Saturday, July 11th 2020, jockey Barry Geraghty stunned the horse racing world when he announced his retirement from the sport. The Grand National winning rider took to twitter to make the announcement. He thanked his family, friends, and everyone who had supported him over the last 24 years.
While it comes as a huge surprise to all of his fans, he admitted that the injuries he had sustained had become harder to overcome. Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1’s Sunday Sport programme, Geraghty said he wanted to go out on his own terms.
He said “I’m 41 in September, and you can’t go on forever.
“I’ve missed 18 months of the last five years through injury, having broken both legs, both arms, my ribs, shoulder blade and a few other small fractures in between.
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….🎉🤩👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/UoD5HKfN3k
— Barry Geraghty (@BarryJGeraghty) July 11, 2020
“The eight broken ribs and punctured lung in 2017 ruled me out of Cheltenham. Then the broken arm at Fairyhouse in April only 11 days after returning from the broken ribs were both tough injuries with bad timing.
“My last injury, the leg break on the eve of the 2019 Grand National at Aintree, was a real test and hard to take. It made me appreciate the importance of getting back into a scenario where I could go out on my own terms rather than being stretchered off.”
Barry Geraghty’s List Of Achievements
One of the greatest jockeys in the business, Barry Geraghty has amassed a huge number of major wins. He rode Monty’s Pass to Grand National victory in 2003. Remembering the occasion he said “The Aintree Grand National is the one that you want more than any, really.
“To get it was a big ticking of a box, if you like. It’s the one race as a kid that you grow-up longing, you dream of winning a race like that, or even riding in it.
“To have won it is brilliant.”
He also won 43 races at the Cheltenham Festivals through the years, including two Gold Cups. They came from Kicking King in 2005 and Bobs Worth in 2013. He also won the Champion Hurdle an incredible four times on Punjabi (2009), Jezki (2014), Buveur D’Air (2018) and Epatante (2020).
At his final festival in 2020, he rode five winners and finished second in the jockeys’ standings. Paul Townend rode the same number of winners but also had two runners-up placings.
Post Retirment Plans
Those of you familiar with horse racing will be aware of the partnership between AP McCoy and his employer, JP McManus. When McCoy retired in 2015, Barry Geraghty took over as the lead rider for the super owner. It was a position he held until announcing his retirement in July, 2020.
While he may no longer be taking to the saddle, Geraghty does plan on staying in the industry.
“My life has revolved around it, and it’ll stay that way,” he added.
“I’ve always dabbled away with a few young horses, and enjoyed that. I’d ‘Bobs Worth’ here as a youngster and we sold him on before he went on to do all he did.
“I’ve had lots of nice horses through the place, and that’s something that I will continue to do. I’ve always enjoyed a bit of TV work, and different blogs and stuff, so there’s plenty to keep me busy.
There’s no major plan, but I’ll definitely stay involved in racing.”
So after 24 years and 1,920 winners, Barry Geraghty is hanging up his saddle. We wish him all the best of luck with his future endeavors and hope to see him as a commentator for all the upcoming major festivals, including the Grand National 2021.
