SMULLEN’S RIDE INTO THE SUNSET

Derby-winning rider Pat Smullen yesterday announced his retirement following advice from doctors.

The nine-time irish champion jockey, who will be 42 in a fortnight, has successfully completed treatment for pancreatic cancer having been diagnosed in March last year. However, following a frank discussion with consultants, the much-loved rider will call time on his track career.

but he intends to maintain his 20- year association with Dermot weld and ride out for the trainer with whom he forged a hugely successful association, culminating in Harzand’s Derby victory at epsom in 2016.

Smullen said: ‘ i gave my doctors the full details of the way of life of a jockey and what i’d need to go through to get back to full fitness. They advised me that i should not compromise my immune system in any way so the right thing to do is call it a day.’