'This will definitely be my last season' - Daryl Jacob confirms decision to retire at end of campaign after Hereford winner

Grand National-winning rider Daryl Jacob got off the mark for the season, his final one in the saddle, when helping Aotano make a successful debut in the feature 2m junior hurdle.

Jacob returned from a broken collarbone and shoulder surgery, sustained in a fall at Newbury in March, at the start of the month and provided County Antrim trainer Stuart Crawford with a winner from his first runner at the track.

“This’ll definitely be my last season, so I’m just going to enjoy it,” Jacob told Sky Sports Racing after scoring on his seventh ride since being sidelined by injury.

The 41-year-old stressed he will spend the majority of the campaign in Ireland and thanked the support of Aotano’s owners, Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, as well as their racing manager Anthony Bromley.

“They gave me the full backing to come back and do what I want to do,” he said. “This is my 11th year with Simon, Isaac and Anthony. It’s an incredible relationship, incredible loyalty and my career wouldn't be half as good as it is if it wasn’t for them.”

Alan Johns also rode his first winner of the season on Mistymal in the 3m1f novice handicap chase.

Poignant win 

Nico de Boinville, who rode Coneygree to win the 2015 Gold Cup for trainer Mark Bradstock, fittingly partnered Sara Bradstock's first winner since her husband's death in March.

After De Boinville’s victory on Smugglers Haven in the 2m3½f mares' handicap hurdle, Bradstock said: “I wish it wasn’t in my name and Mark was still here but it’s lovely.”

First for Brennan 

Leloopa was a first winner for the Paddy Brennan Racing Syndicate in the opening 2m mares’ maiden hurdle. 

Trained by Fergal O’Brien, the four-year-old scored under Jonathan Burke, who replaced Brennan as O'Brien's stable jockey after the Gold Cup-winning rider’s retirement in April.

Read these next:

Shark Hanlon 'hopeful' of getting licence back after fellow trainer Edward O'Grady fights his corner at appeal  

Thurles cancels Thursday's jumps card due to dry spell and insufficient rain forecast 

Vauban back in Australia for Melbourne Cup redemption as jockey plans are confirmed for Willie Mullins contenders 

Pick up your copy of The Big Jump Off, packed with everything you need for the 2024-25 National Hunt season. Our 72-page supplement includes ante-post tips, pro punter insight, trainer and jockey analysis and much more. Grab your copy free in the Racing Post newspaper on Monday, October 21, also available via the Racing Post Digital Newspaper as part of Members' Club Ultimate, our unrivalled subscription package.