Fergal O'Brien and Colin Tizzard were among those to pay tribute to Paddy Brennan, the Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey who retired at the age of 43 after winning with Manothepeople at Prestbury Park on Wednesday.
Brennan recorded more than 1,500 winners in a National Hunt racing career spanning more than two decades, notably winning the 2010 Gold Cup for Imperial Commander. His other notable wins at the Cheltenham Festival included the 2007 World Hurdle on Inglis Drever, while he will also be remembered for his association with the famous Cue Card in which he won six races, including including the 2015 King George VI Chase at Kempton.
After returning to Manothepeople to a warm reception, Brennan said Racing television“It's been a roller coaster, lots of ups and downs, but I feel like I've reached the end of the ocean and onto the beach.
“I've been thinking about this for a few weeks now, I've been consulting, but this morning I had coffee with my wife and I felt certain. It's time for the next generation of jockeys. I've worked with the best guys in the game, there are young guys in the weight room now, but I've worked with all of them. It's a tough show, it's constant.
“I left my mark in the weight room. I'm a strict guy, scream a lot, but I love it all. Being a jockey is 95% frustration. I had a bit of fun but I'm ready for the next chapter.”
Recalling his most memorable days in the saddle, Brennan added, “Royal Commander had to be the highlight, winning the Gold Cup, but I will never forget Cue Card winning King George, beating Ruby Walsh on Vautour. You're trying your best and helping him get up that day is something I'm really proud of.
Tizzard, who assigned Brennan to drive Cue Card, said, “I'm not good at texting, but I just texted Paddy to say how excited I was to work with him and Cue Card. I'm sure Paddy remembers the Gold Cup [fall when in contention in 2016] more than anything, but it was racing and he was great the whole time he was riding him. He is an excellent horse and Paddy is excellent with him.
“I remember watching King George and I standing on the grass at Kempton in a crowd of people and they were all taller than me! I don't know if he stood up or not, but as I walked around, everyone patted me on the back. We had some great times and Paddy was a good man.”
Long-time ally O'Brien was also full of praise, adding: “We came in for this cause today and it was important that Paddy got a winner. He has been an extraordinary ally to me. I remember listening to Philip Hobbs speak when Richard Johnson retired and he said they never had a word in reply – the same couldn't be said of me and Paddy!
“However, things are always done in the best interests and he will be a big loss, but I'm pretty sure it won't be the end for Fergal O'Brien and Paddy Brennan. I'm so proud to call him my friend. We've had so many highlights, so many great days, from things like the Occidental Legends win at Uttoxeter 0-100, to some great days here, like Bonttay and The Govaness.
“I am very grateful that he is on our team – he has been a great servant to us.”
