'I could have been in a wheelchair' - Jerry McGrath forced to retire at 31

Jerry McGrath is determined to take the positives into the next phase of his life despite conceding defeat in his year-long battle to return to race-riding after a fall at Lingfield 12 months ago.

McGrath, 31, was riding Vegas Blue for his boss Nicky Henderson in an all-weather bumper when the mare tumbled after being short of room.

The jump jockey, who initially feared the incident might have left him paralysed, dislocated and fractured his left shoulder and hip.

He started riding out in September, but hopes of resuming a career that included two Cheltenham Festival triumphs and more than 200 winners have been dashed.

"The hip healed relatively well, but the shoulder has given me a lot of trouble," he said.

"The bone has healed okay, but there's a lot of metal in there and there was a lot of nerve damage. I got back riding out and thought it was going the right way, but my bicep ruptured and I've got what's called Popeye syndrome where my bicep is constantly tensed.

"That set the range of movement back. The bicep was probably damaged in the fall and when you start strenuous exercise – like riding out – it popped.

"It's affected me massively and the doctors and the BHA's medical adviser Jerry Hill, who's been a great help, agreed there wasn't much we could do.

"I'll miss the adrenaline, but maybe it's easier I haven't had that buzz for 12 months. In a weird way, I've been weaned off it."

Beware The Bear: a big winner for the riderCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

McGrath praised the staff and facilities at Oaksey House, the jockey rehabilitation centre in Lambourn, where he spent a month after leaving hospital.

"They were brilliant, a massive help and still are," added the County Cork native, who is coming to terms with the situation without dwelling on it.

"They always said getting back would be touch and go, and I remember calling my parents in early February telling them that I was on all sorts of painkillers and got very emotional, but thought the worst then.

"Things progressed, but the body said no. I suppose I'm unlucky I've had to retire, but the flip side could have been a lot worse.

"It's not something I like talking about, but I could have been in a wheelchair. I wasn't knocked out, so remember everything – not feeling any pain and then it being excruciating – but you could live off that moment forever and end up ruining your life thinking about it.

"That day, as a jump jockey riding four with chances on the Flat, it was money for jam, but s*** happens. I wouldn't say I'm at total peace with retirement and would have loved another five or six years, but I knew my fate before Christmas and I've accepted it better than I thought.

"I don't want this to be the end of the world or a sob story. I've had some brilliant days, got some great memories and my life isn't over."

McGrath (grey top) is part of the inner circle at Nicky Henderson'sCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

The son of a dairy farmer, McGrath, who cannot run as much as he used to but plans on riding out when able, grew up around horses, but without a keen interest in the sport until he attended Race (Racing Academy and Centre of Education), which was followed by a spell with trainer Dermot Weld.

At the insistence of his mother – a retired primary school teacher – he returned to his studies to complete his leaving certificate but had been bitten by the bug after linking up with Brendan Powell in Lambourn.

"Brendan was instrumental in my career," continued McGrath, who "idolised" Timmy Murphy and thanked Seamus Mullins, Henry Oliver and Richard Bandey for their support, as well as all the trainers and owners for whom he rode.

"We clicked and he gave me my first winner, Bathwick Quest at Newton Abbot in 2008, which was a big turning point because, even though I didn't mind school, I had no interest after that.

"Brendan got me going, got me in with [top agent] Dave Roberts and has been very good to me."

Wheeler and dealer: Jerry McGrath intends to follow a career in the bloodstock industryCredit: Laura Green

Since then, McGrath, who rates Simonsig his favourite horse, has become a stalwart at Henderson's all-conquering operation and landed the Fred Winter at Cheltenham in 2012 on Une Artiste, while Beware The Bear was a second festival winner in the Ultima seven years later.

"Une Artiste was amazing, but I was a kid and thought it would happen every year," he said.

"That's why Beware The Bear was the best moment. The Barlows, brilliant, loyal owners along with the Orrs, owned him and it meant a lot, given the time since Une Artiste. I'd have been gutted without that second winner to know the difference in feeling.

"I have no regrets, but would love to have ridden a Grade 1 winner and Musselburgh was the only course I didn't have a winner. I'd have loved the whole set."

McGrath has started helping Henderson with his race planning, but has no desire to train and is eyeing a career in bloodstock, an area in which he has become further involved under the guidance of David Minton during his time off.

Read more:

Jerry McGrath set for another week in hospital after nasty Lingfield incident

Jerry McGrath mixing riding career with talent spotting for sheikhs

McGrath's last-minute plan change works a treat as Beware The Bear lands Ultima

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