Jockey Ted Durcan, 44, announced his retirement from the saddle on Sunday. During a 25-year career, the County Mayo-born rider booted home two Classic winners, Light Shift (Kingmambo) in the G1 Oaks in 2007 and 2009 G1 St Leger hero Mastery (GB) (Sulamani {Ire}). Durcan will remain part of Sir Michael Stoute's team at Newmarket.
“It's not something I've rushed into,” said the seven-time UAE champion jockey. “It's been at the back of my mind for a while now. I'm 45 years old at the end of the month and I think it's the right time to move on. I've retired from race-riding, but I'm going to stay in the industry and continue my association with Sir Michael Stoute and his team, which I very much like. I'm in my third year there and you're surrounded by some lovely horses and excellent staff as well.”
“I help them out in any way I am able to and I'm also hoping to explore some other avenues in the industry as well,” he continued. “I find the breeding and bloodstock world fascinating and really interesting. That's an avenue I'd like to explore more. I'm been riding since the age of 19. It's been absolutely super and a pleasure. I just think I'm at the right age to move on to something else.”
Durcan served his apprenticeship in Ireland with Jim Bolger, for whom he had his first winner, Nordic Pageant (Ire) (Nordico), at Fairyhouse in October 1992. The last of his more than 1,000 winners was on Face The Facts (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}) for John Gosden in the Listed Rose Bowl S. at Newmarket in September.
Looking back on his career, Durcan pointed to the victory of Light Shift as standing out. It was one which propelled her trainer Sir Henry Cecil back into the big time and was hugely popular.
“I've been very lucky,” said Durcan. “Winning the Oaks on Light Shift has to be a highlight and winning the St Leger was great. I had a great time riding in Dubai. I was lucky enough to spend 18 winters and was leading rider over there. It was a very lucky spot and like our second home. I'll always be grateful for that. Over the years I've been very lucky to ride for some marvellous people.”
Durcan's first domestic Group 1 winner came for Tim Easterby on Somnus (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), who defeated Oasis Dream (GB) (Green Desert) in the Haydock Sprint Cup in 2003.
Easterby said, “He was a fantastic jockey for me. He got on better with Somnus than anybody and he rode plenty of other winners for me, too. He's been a great jockey and became a good friend. He's a very good judge and very loyal. I'm sad that he's retiring, but I'd like to wish him well for the future.”
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