Richard Dunwoody: no need to pity the man ripped away from a sport he changed

He really is okay. Whatever you might have been told, there is no need to worry about Richard Dunwoody. Rather, it is better simply to admire and applaud. Recognise all he achieved as a jockey for sure, but also all he has done since departing the scene and moving on to many others.

When retirement was forced upon him more than two decades ago, he was the all-time number one. His number of winners told you that, as did those who had done the job before him. There were three championship titles, two Grand Nationals, a Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, four King Georges and so much more. He teamed up with some of the best people and partnered some of the best horses, including Desert Orchid, perhaps the most popular thoroughbred in British racing history.

Desert Orchid: 'I was lucky to ride many good horses, but Desert Orchid is the one that stands out,' says Richard DunwoodyCredit: Gerry Cranham (Cranhamphoto.com)

Dunwoody worked for the best, rode the best and was the best. Then he stopped – not through choice but necessity – and utilised his greatest attributes in a remarkable act of personal reinvention.