Richard Quinn, one of the best Flat jockeys never to be champion in Britain, surprised the racing world yesterday by announcing his retirement.
The 44-year-old rider called time on a career which yielded more than 2,100 wins and British classic success aboard Love Divine in the Vodafone Oaks as well as Snurge and Millenary in the St Leger.
Quinn had partnered 27 winners so far this year and he signed off on the best possible note when winning the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes aboard Young Mick at Royal Ascot, on what proved to be his final ride.
The Stirling-born jockey was twice successful in the Irish St Leger (Strategic Choice and Ibn Bey) and also landed an Irish Oaks (Knight's Baroness).
As for the future, Quinn said: "I've recently got involved in learning to show jump which is quite good and if I can get the same level of success from show jumping as I did from racing that would be a great buzz."
Johnny Murtagh, who notched a 2,859 to 1 four-timer at Bellewstown on Tuesday evening, continued his good form when partnering Smitten Kitten to a 2½-length success in the Cassely's Fun Fair Maiden at the same venue last night. It brought Murtagh's tally for the season to 45 - well clear of his nearest rival Declan McDonogh.
Champion jump jockey Tony McCoy was another in sparkling form, landing a 7 to 1-plus treble at Stratford on favourites Wee Dinns (2 to 5), Monsieur (7 to 2) and Nelson's Spice (1 to 3).
