Jockey who had 80-1 winner this year quits the saddle aged 28

A jockey who rode an 80-1 winner earlier this season has quit the saddle at the age of 28.

Grant Cockburn, whose shock victory aboard Ryedale Racer at Kelso in February saw him lose his claim, signed off with four rides at Ayr yesterday.

His final mount, Memors, was around 30 lengths ahead at halfway in the finale, the 100% RacingTV Profits Back To Racing Open National Hunt Flat Race.

But in the end, the exertions took their toll and the mare, from the same Nick Alexander yard as Ryedale Racer, faded to finish seventh.

After dismounting, Cockburn told Racing TV his race-riding career had come to an end – and that he plans to pursue alternative employment as a landscape gardener.

"Through my girlfriend's parents, their friends have a firm in Edinburgh so I have been out and done a couple of days to see that I'd enjoy it so the plan is to start with them, all being well," he said.

Earlier on the card, Cockburn partnered fourth-placed Largy Trix in the two-mile maiden hurdle.

Since the 2009-10 season, he had 74 winners from 933 rides.

Cockburn intends to visit Alexander's stable while working in his new role, having thought about the best course of action for some time.

He nominated Up Helly Aa King and Big River as two of the horses he has most enjoyed riding.

"I think it has came across me a couple of times and maybe the end of last season I was just finding it a bit tough (my rides and things) and then I thought about it when Covid struck and to be fair I have enjoyed this season – (I was) delighted to ride my claim out," he said.

"Really that was giving me something to work to, riding the claim out, so now that has gone I feel comfortable leaving."

After the interview, his friends in the weighing room gave him the customary send off – a good soaking using the racecourse's water buckets for horses.

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