'I'm very lucky - I've had an amazing career and so much fun' - Daryl Jacob has his final ride at Leopardstown

Daryl Jacob might be retiring from race-riding, but he will not be disappearing from racing fans' screens as the Grand National-winning jockey hopes punditry might be part of the next chapter of his career after he brought a glittering 25-year stint in the saddle to a close at Leopardstown on Sunday. 

The 41-year-old was out of luck on his final ride as Mr Percy could finish only 12th behind Al Gasparo in the Listed 2m4f handicap hurdle, but 24 hours earlier he had enjoyed Grade 1 glory in the Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick, a special success that he said ensured he could be content with his decision. 

On his way back to the weighing room for the final time, while being stopped for selfies and autographs, Jacob said: "It's the end of one chapter, but a new chapter is going to start tomorrow morning. I'm very lucky. I've had an amazing time, an amazing career.

"Simon [Munir] and Isaac [Souede] came along at the perfect time in my career and they gave me a lot more longevity than I thought I was going to have. I've had an amazing career and so much fun along the way. The time is right now and I'm looking forward to a new chapter.

"I was loyal to Simon and Isaac, and they were very loyal to me. They've been wonderful people for the last 11 years of my career and I'm very proud to have worked for them."

Daryl Jacob at Leopardstown on the day of his final ride with his two children Harry and DarciCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Asked what the next chapter might include, he replied: "I'd love to do a bit of TV work as I really enjoy it. I love working with Simon and Isaac and all the wonderful horses they have, as well, so hopefully there'll be plenty of stuff to get stuck into."

As regards a standout moment, Jacob holds two races particularly dear alongside his famous Grand National triumph on Neptune Collognes in 2012. 

• 'He's a fantastic rider who deserves all the plaudits he's getting' - Paul Nicholls leads tributes to Daryl Jacob 

He said: "The National is right up there, but winning the French Champion Hurdle was brilliant and Bristol De Mai's second Betfair Chase win was really special, too. Those were great days and ones I'll never forget. I've been so lucky throughout my career and I've so many people to thank for that. 

"To win the Grade 1 at Limerick yesterday made me very content with the decision."

Jacob reached a significant milestone in his career last month, riding his 1,000th winner when Ottizzini made all in a 3m½f handicap hurdle at Ayr. 

It had otherwise been a challenging campaign for the rider, having spent significant periods of the season on the sidelines due to two collarbone injuries.

Daryl Jacob CV

Full name Daryl Alan Jacob

Born August 28, 1983

First winner Orbicularis (trainer Alison Thorpe) amateur riders' hurdle, Exeter, December 18, 2003

Grand National winner Neptune Collonges (2012 by a nose)

Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil winner L'Ami Serge (2017)

Irish Gold Cup winner (Leopardstown) The Listener (2008)

Betfair Chase winner Bristol De Mai (2017, 2018, 2020)

Down Royal Champion Chase winner Kauto Stone (2012)

John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase winner The Listener (2007)

Lexus Chase winner The Listener (2006)

Hennessy Gold Cup winner (Newbury) Diamond Harry (2010)

bet365 Gold Cup winner Tidal Bay (2012)

Long Walk Hurdle winner Reve De Sivola (2014)

Aintree Hurdle winner L'Ami Serge (2018)

Cheltenham Festival winners Zarkandar (2011 Triumph Hurdle), Lac Fontana (2014 County Hurdle), Concertista (2020 Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle)

Other notable winners Master Minded (2011 Amlin 1965 Chase), Celestial Halo (2012 Champion Hurdle Trial, 2013 Prix La Barka, Newbury Long Distance Hurdle), Sanctuaire (2012 Celebration Chase), Al Ferof (2013 Amlin 1965 Chase), Bristol De Mai (2017 Charlie Hall Chase), Top Notch (2017 & 2019 Peterborough Chase), Sceau Royal (2018 Shloer Chase, 2021 Game Spirit Chase), Fusil Raffles (2021 Charlie Hall Chase), Blue Lord (2022 Paddy's Rewards Club Chase), El Fabiolo (2023 Irish Arkle Novice Chase)

Placed in Cheltenham Gold Cup Bristol De Mai (3rd in 2019)

1,000th win Ottizzini, Ayr, November 2, 2024

Last winner Impaire Et Passe, Faugheen Novice Chase (Grade 1), Limerick, December 28, 2024

Highest-rated steeplechasers (RPRs) 179 Bristol De Mai, 175 Master Minded, 172 Tidal Bay, 171 The Listener

Highest-rated hurdlers (RPRs) 165 Celestial Halo, 165 Zarkandar, 165 Reve De Sivola

Most prolific Grade 1 winners Bristol De Mai (5), The Listener (3), Reve De Sivola (3)

Richest prize ￡547,267 (2012 Grand National, Neptune Collonges)

Grade 1 wins 31

Cheltenham Festival wins 3

Highest position in jump jockeys' table joint-4th in 2011-12

Most wins in a season 91 in 2016-17 (GB 88, Ireland 1, France 2)

Total wins (all over jumps) 1,002 (GB 963, Ireland 30, France 9)

Compiled by John Randall

Read more:

'He's a fantastic rider who deserves all the plaudits he's getting' - Paul Nicholls leads tributes to Daryl Jacob  

'This was the big one' - Impaire Et Passe gives Daryl Jacob a perfect Christmas send-off 

Six of the best: looking back at the horses who have been synonymous with retiring rider Daryl Jacob

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