'I'm excited to be starting this new chapter' - Jerry McGrath to join Goffs UK

Former Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Jerry McGrath has been appointed as bloodstock manager for Goffs UK, a role the recently retired rider will take up from next month.

McGrath, who announced his retirement from the saddle earlier this month due to a long-term battle with injury after a fall at Lingfield last year, has been a key member of Nicky Henderson's team and won over 200 races including the Ultima Chase on Beware The Bear at Cheltenham in 2019.

Having worked closely with Clive Cox over the summer, as well as being part of the team that picked up subsequent Middle Park Stakes hero Supremacy, McGrath will be a full-time member of the Goffs UK team based in Lambourn.

He will join the Goffs inspection team and attend all sales as well as travel to other sales and race meetings across the country to interact with clients. He will also be part of the team sourcing entries for all Goffs UK Horses in Training Sales while he will work with point-to-point handlers in the UK and Ireland.

McGrath has also been working as a bloodstock agent in recent years and will continue that role alongside his new appointment.

Goffs UK managing director Tim Kent said: "Jerry is a very personable individual with a real passion for the bloodstock business and brings a wealth of racing experience and industry connections to Goffs. He has worked closely with the Highflyer team for many years and we would like to thank David Minton for suggesting that we talk to Jerry towards the end of last year as his experience with them, and Clive Cox, ensures that he has a deep knowledge of both codes together with the personality to engage with all Goffs clients.

“We are excited to be working with Jerry, who is the second exciting appointment to our team this year after the announcement that Bernard Condren will also start with Goffs UK on February 7.”

McGrath said: “I'm very excited to be starting this new chapter in my life. Throughout my riding career I’ve always been interested in the breeding and trading of horses, and I'm delighted I'm able make a career out of this passion following a wonderful race-riding career where I have worked with some incredible people.

“I will continue to be based in Lambourn, where I can utilise the contacts made during my riding career whilst forging new links with key industry figures throughout the UK and Ireland. I have always admired the customer-focused approach and supreme integrity of Goffs, and am looking forward to getting started as part of the team at Goffs UK.”

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