3 minute read

Although racecourse gossip suggested Jimmy Quinn was planning to announce his retirement at Newmarket on Tuesday, the senior jockey is aiming to retain his license for at least the remainder of the season.

At fifty-six-years old, Quinn is the oldest professional jockey in the weighing room and achieved a first Group 1 success when steering Kingsgate Native to success in the 2007 Nunthorpe Stakes.

In an interview with Racing TV, Quinn said: "It (licence) runs out today and word got out on the street pretty quick (regarding the planned retirement),

"I got a few phone calls, positive ones from senior riders and other people riding, and one of them said 'why are you packing up at the start of the season, why not ride for a bit longer in the summer?'

"I'm going to reapply for my licence again and ride until probably the end of the season on the turf and then say thank you very much.

"I've had a lot of support over the years and I've had a few good phone calls to say keep going with it. I have no weight issues, I'm pretty fit and ride out every day.

"Even if I get 20 rides between now and then, it's 20 rides. I enjoy it a lot still, it's a great job and it keeps you young. It keeps you active and gives you something to aim at every day."