'I'll miss it, but everything's tickety-boo' - smiles and soakings as Jimmy Quinn finally retires from the saddle

More than 40 years on, Jimmy Quinn's career came full circle as the curtain finally came down on Britain's oldest professional jockey's time in the saddle at the place it all began.

Doncaster in 1984 was where he had his first mount. It snowballed into over 1,500 winners from more than 22,000 rides, as well as many victories across the globe in places such as Germany and Hong Kong.

His retirement came slightly longer than had been planned originally. It had been set for Newmarket earlier in the year – and then after his first winner of 2024 at Yarmouth last month – but deep down, Quinn knew Town Moor was where he had to bow out.

The 57-year-old jockey had just one ride on the final day of Britain's Flat turf season, but he could not go out on a winning note when Dark Moon Rising finished 21st in the November Handicap.

Despite no fairytale finish – just a deserved soaking from his younger weighing room colleagues – Quinn was content to close the book on the final chapter of his riding career.

"Once you've made the decision, you've got to stick with it," he said. "I've had a very good run and totally enjoyed it the whole way through. There's been a few hiccups, but on the whole I've had a great career.

"I made the date, but I did say to everyone at Yarmouth that I'd call it quits then, but thankfully they didn't believe me! The plan was to end here as I love it and I've had a bit of success here too."

Jimmy Quinn (yellow silks): with his weighing-room colleagues at Doncaster celebrating his retirementCredit: Nigel Kirby Photography

Quinn's career had many ups and some downs, including Group 1 glory on Kingsgate Native in the 2007 Nunthorpe Stakes, riding 101 winners from 1,108 rides in 2002, and Lincoln victories in 1992 on High Low and in 2008 aboard Smokey Oakey.

The numbers dwindled in his twilight years, with just two wins from 67 rides this year. From now, there are no more mounts for the man who was proud to be labelled one of Britain's busiest jockeys.

"You ask yourself if you'd change anything? I wouldn't," he added. "This job is an addiction and when you enjoy doing it you want to do it more. I'll miss it, but everything's tickety-boo.

"I've ridden for lovely people, from the likes of Mr Cumani, Mr Cecil and William Jarvis, and there's been a lot of very good, loyal people over the years. I've been very lucky."

Quinn's determination in the saddle spanning five decades shone right to the end, even when securing the ride that was his farewell.

Dark Moon Rising's trainer Kevin Ryan said: "He tortured me for a month for the ride and, like a boxer, I threw in he towel! Jimmy's had a great career and I wish him all the best."

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