‘ MCCOY TOLD ME TO SAVOUR THE WIN’
CHAMPION JOCKEY DEREK FOX, 24, IS GIVEN A CIVIC RECEPTION IN COUNTY HALL AS FRIENDS AND FAMILY CELEBRATE AINTREE GRAND NATIONAL VICTORY
A week after guiding One for Arthur to victory in the Aintree Grand National, Sligo’s champion jockey Derek Fox was welcomed back to his hometown with a Civic Reception on Easter Sunday.
The 24- year- old from Emmett Place in Sligo was in town for a few short days as he continues with a packed racing schedule and it was back to the UK on Monday following Sunday’s reception.
Derek said even though a week has passed since he guided One for Arthur to glory, becoming only the second Sligo man to do so, it really hasn’t properly sunk in just yet.
He told the Sligo Champion having the Civic Reception in his hometown was a big honour for him. “It is overwhelming, the whole evening it’s far bigger than I thought it would be.
“The amount of people who turned out and again it was very short notice, it was only organised a few days ago because we were organising around racing. I’m obviously still racing away and the Scottish National is next weekend.
“The weekend after that is busy as well so it had to be this weekend,” he said.
“The whole thing is incredible, the amount of people that turned out and congratulated me ever since the win.
“People stopping me on the street and since the horse crossed the line at Aintree it’s been like a blur.
“The whole thing has gone so fast, it is like a dream come true.
“I think every young lad or girl that rides a horse or a pony from a young age will always dream of what it would be like to ride over the National fences, the spruce fences, because it’s more than a horse race, it’s a spectacle in itself. Just to take part was obviously going to be massive but for the horse to have actually come out and won, words cannot describe what it’s like to win it you know, it was unbelievable,” the 24- year- old admitted.
He said the feeling since winning the Aintree Grand National is one of a complete high. “It’s a week afterwards and it’s like as if it happened five seconds ago you know.
“It’s unbelievable how it carries on and when I came off the air on ITV Tony McCoy stopped me and said remember it because you won’t realise how hard it is to win the next one, so I was lucky enough to win it on my first go.
“I think there’s top class jockeys in it every year and it’s unbelievable to win, like the amount of things that have to fall your way,” he added.
Only two days prior to Aintree Derek was given the all clear following a broken wrist injury.
“Battling the injury too, I was off with the injury for three weeks but lucky enough the doctor passed me and I just got back in time.”
Derek comes from a well- known racing background in Sligo, his uncle is trainer Mark McNiff, who he said was a big inspiration growing up.
“Mark my uncle trains out in Culleenamore there and it is I suppose where it all began for me.
“We always had horses and ponies and we always had a massive interest in horses. I always wanted to be on a pony’s back, whether it was show- jumping or whatever, there was a massive interest in horses in general, so the whole thing just worked out very well,” Derek said.
He added that he’s not thinking too much about his future career just yet as he savours what it’s like to be king of Aintree.
“I’m not looking too much forward as I said when Tony McCoy says seize the moment, you really appreciate what it’s like so there’s no point looking too far forward and hopefully it will work out in the future and have more success,” the Sligo man admitted.
His Aintree win will also be a big inspiration to young up and coming riders too. “I suppose it will be hopefully but a lot of things need to go your way as well.”
He paid tribute to One for Arthur trainer Lucinda Russell and her team. “We had a great team with Lucinda and great support and they were very kind to put me on after lying in the sidelines, not sat on a horse for three weeks until three days before the National.
“They had great faith in me to put me on, so it’s just great to be surrounded by such good people,” the champion jockey said.
For the people in his hometown, Derek’s glory at Aintree will be remembered for decades to come as the proud Northwest town came out in force to honour his achievement on Sunday.
At the Civic Reception in a packed County Hall, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Hubert Keaney, spoke of Derek’s remarkable victory at the English Grand National and paid tribute to his determination to get back in time following injury.
He said: “The determination I refer to was certainly a major factor in this success, only four weeks before the race he suffered serious injuries in a fall at Carlisle.
“Much of the media commentary in the last week has highlighted Derek’s skill and prowess as an outstanding jockey, but they also referred to his enormous courage and resilience, and these qualities will live long in the memory.
“For most people, this would have caused them to withdraw and focus their energies on a well- planned recovery. But Derek is made of different stuff, and it would have taken more than a broken wrist and damaged collar- bone to keep him away from the Aintree track on Saturday last. 2
The Cathaoirleach said his hometown is extremely proud of the 24- year- old.
“In simple terms, winning the Aintree Grand National is one of the most high profile achievements in the annual sporting calendar.
“To see a Sligo native earn this accolade is a source of immense pride to the whole community, not solely those involved in horse- racing.
“Derek is hugely respected in racing circles, and has been with Scottish Trainer Lucinda Russell’s stable since October 2013. In her interviews Lucinda talked about Derek’s contagious enthusiasm for his sport, and that was certainly clear for all to see on Saturday week last.
“A major success like this also services as a great inspiration for many young people who might dream of following in Derek’s foot- steps, and I don’t think they could have a finer role model.
“In honouring Derek, it would be remiss of me not to mention his compatriot in this glorious achievement One for Arthur.
“He is only the second Scottish- trained winner of the Grand National, and the second Sligo- born jockey to do so, and from a local perspective, Aintree 2017 will go down in local sporting history,” Cllr Keaney said.
The Cathaoirleach finished his address by saying: “Derek, on behalf of this Council and the people of Sligo, I want to commend you on this wonderful accomplishment, you are a true sporting legend. “While the celebrations may come to a close at some point, the sense of pride in our community will live on for many years to come.”
The Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive Ciarán Hayes made presentations to Derek, following which he invited his special guest to sign the Distinguished Visitors’ Book.
The champion jockey didn’t have too long to spend in Sligo as it was back to business on Monday, Derek departing to prepare for the Scottish National in a few days’ time.