The racing world is reeling after two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey Barry Geraghty announced that he has jumped down from the saddle for the final time at the age of 40.
Late on Saturday night the 2003 Grand National victor revealed his retirement on Twitter, posting a picture with his family and thanking those close to him after a glittering career in racing.
“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”, Geraghty said in the post.
After 24 years in the saddle, many of which were spent as the number one rider for JP McManus, the question is now who will replace the 2000 and 2004 Irish Champion Jockey as the lead rider for McManus?
Who will replace Barry Geraghty as JP McManus’ retained rider?
2019 Champion Hurdle winner Mark Walsh leads the race to succeed Geraghty in the betting as the clear favourite with Paddy Power, and he is followed by Aidan Coleman in the market.
Jonjo O’Neill Jr is next on the list, while Brian Hughes and Richard Johnson seem less likely shouts given their respective prices.
One thing is for sure, Barry Geraghty has done one hell of a job since he replaced the great AP McCoy as the retained rider for McManus in 2015 and the next jockey up has a big saddle to fill.
Happy retirement Barry from all in Power Tower and thanks for the memories.
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