Veteran jockey Mick Kinane has announced his retirement, ending a 34-year career in the saddle.
The 50-year-old bows out on a high after a truly memorable 2009 which saw him partner wonder horse Sea The Stars to six Group One wins, including an unprecedented 2000 Guineas-Derby-Arc treble.
In a statement to Press Association Sport, Kinane said: "I have decided this is the right time to retire from race-riding. At 50 I still feel fit and sharp enough to do any horse justice but, after the season I have just had in partnership with Sea The Stars, I have the privilege of being able to end my career as a jockey on an incredible high."
He added: "I leave with a huge sense of gratitude to all the great horses I have ridden, all the great trainers whose genius developed those champions and everybody else in racing, from the stable lads to the owners, who have made me deeply thankful for my involvement in the game.
"Teamwork is the key to success in racing and I have been blessed with some of the best alliances a jockey could have.
"The most important support of all throughout my career has, naturally, come from my wife, Catherine, along with my family and friends.
"Both Catherine and our two precious daughters, Sinead and Aisling, know how much they mean to me."
Kinane pointed to success on the Henry Cecil-trained Commander In Chief in 1993 as a significant moment.
Kinane said: "Your first Epsom Derby success is very special so winning on Commander In Chief was a huge milestone. My Derby-Oaks double on Galileo and Imagine was also very special.
"I will just be a small-time farmer from next week. I have no great plans so am going to spend some time with my wife and family and take stock."
Posts
