Racing: Pat Eddery, one of Ireland's most successful jockeys, has abandoned the impossible chase to become the all-time winning-most rider in British racing history by announcing that he will retire at the end of the season.
The 51-year-old, 11-times champion Flat jockey in Britain, occupies second place on the list behind Gordon Richards with a total of 4,585 successes to his name. But with just 30 wins so far this season the rides and victories are starting to dry up for Eddery, who has elected to quit while still at the top of his game in order to set up a new ownership venture, the Pat Eddery Racing Club.
Speaking at a press conference at Windsor yesterday, the Newbridge-born jockey said that taking out a trainer's licence had never been an option. "I just never really fancied it," he said. "If you're going to be a trainer you've got to start as a young man. I know a lot about it but it's different to actually doing it.
"Obviously I am going to miss the riding but I've got to get on with my life and this is something new and exciting.
"It's a wrench. I will miss the excitement of riding winners. But it wouldn't be right if I wasn't feeling some sadness," he admitted, showing a rare amount of emotion.
"I still feel I am happy riding but the time has come to say that I can't go on forever. This is a big day for me, to say that I am packing up.
"Horses and racing have been great for me all my life and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I've got no regrets.
"I've ridden for some great trainers over the years, had great jobs and worked with great people. I can't thank them enough for supporting me.
"Winning my first Breeders' Cup, my first Derby and also my first Arc - they are all good memories.
"Horses like Golden Fleece, El Gran Senor, Dancing Brave, Pebbles, Bosra Sham all stick in the back of my mind - they are all just as good as each other."
Eddery has just one remaining wish before he hangs up his saddle.
"I'd just like to win a Group One, any Group One, before the end of the season," he said.
