Tommy Dowling: decision to retire left me battling drink and depression

Jump jockey Tommy Dowling, who became the weighing room's version of the Bionic Man following a series of bone-crunching falls, has been forced to retire.

In a candid chat with the Racing Post, Dowling admitted the realisation he would not ride again left him depressed and drinking "a lot".

However, he has now come to terms with the news his career in the saddle is over following a tumble at Chepstow in March, which left him with breaks to his back and ribs.

Tommy Dowling stats

Dowling, who deems himself lucky not to be in a wheelchair after a horror spill at Fontwell in April 2016 that left him with two metal rods in his back, said: "It's unfortunate, but the doctors have advised me not to go back raceriding. If I take a fall at speed again I'll be in trouble.

"I broke my T6 and T7 vertebrae, six ribs and bruised my abdomen at Chepstow. It was a nasty little fall and that was that.

"I'm not going to lie. I went through a month when I was very depressed and drank a lot. I got very down about it. I'm over it now and fine about the situation. I've accepted I didn't end up in a worse condition being paralysed or anything. It's the right decision. At least I'm walking away."

Asked how he got himself over those problems, Dowling said: "Friends and family. I was living by myself at the time and it was very easy to do it, but I went back to Ireland and was around friends and family and am grand now – there's not a bother on me. Mentally I feel great, brilliant."

Dowling dismisses retirement talk after latest injury setback

A native of Baltinglass in County Wicklow, Dowling started as a plumber, but swapped spanners for stirrups when his boss John Lennon turned his hand to training.

His first winner came on Kennedys Mor at Tipperary in July 2014 before he moved to Britain to link up with Lambourn trainer Charlie Mann.

Zoe Davison: trainer's support helped Dowling to his best season last termCredit: Edward Whitaker

Despite his injuries, Dowling enjoyed his best campaign last season when forging a fruitful relationship with Sussex trainer Zoe Davison.

"Oh Jesus, I'll miss riding, more than I'd miss a limb," he continued.

Local heroes Davison and Dowling combine again with The Golden Hour

"I'll never get a buzz like it for the rest of my life, but I'm happy I went out on a high. It was great with Zoe and we seemed to form such a partnership. There wasn't one of her horses I went out on who I didn't think I could win on. I think she's one of the most underrated trainers in the country.

"I can't sing her praises enough. She is the nicest woman I've ever met, an angel."

Watch Dowling win on Frank N Fair at Plumpton in December

The 26-year-old, who also suffered back and rib injuries in a fall at Newbury last year, rode 27 British winners to go with his one in Ireland, which is where his long-term future will be.

He said of what awaits: "I'm not sure what I'll do. I like buying and selling horses, so that might be of interest, and I was wheeling and dealing a good bit when I was off with injuries before.

"I'm able to drive and am doing a little bit of swimming. Heavy exercise tends to make me sore, but hopefully it will come right in time. Never to the extent to race-ride, but it will get better as the months go on. It's just my back. Everything else is fine – all the old injuries are 100 per cent."

Dowling, who looks back on two wins on the Davison-trained Frank N Fair with relish, also paid tribute to those who have helped him off the track, saying: "I'd definitely thank Oaksey House and Zoe, who has been so good to me. Daloni Lucas at Oaksey was super throughout all of my injuries and physios Emma Edwards and Heidi Preece were the same, while I'd never have got where I was without Charlie Mann."

Tommy Dowling is among several jockeys who feature in a focus on the NHS, which can you can read online on Wednesday or in Thursday's Racing Post.