Tribute on Darley retirement

Nov 8 2007 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

THE man who provided Kevin Darley with his first winner paid tribute to the former champion jockey, who has revealed his decision to retire from the saddle.

The 47-year-old rider will end his career when the Flat season comes to a close at Doncaster on Saturday, after almost 2,400 winners.

Staffordshire trainer Reg Hollinshead launched Darley’s career with his first winner, Dust Up, at Haydock Park in 1977. He said: “Kevin used to come over from Wolverhampton with his father at weekends and school holidays when he was only about 11 and weighed about four stone.

“By the time he had left school, he was ready to race-ride and his experience held him in good stead. He was here for about three years and then I got him a job in Newmarket but he didn’t really settle so he came back.

“He always had natural ability, but was so keen to learn and would always listen. He’s looked after himself, so I don’t think he’s finished just yet.”

Explaining his decision, Darley said: “It was a very difficult decision to make.

“But I wanted to go out at a decent level. I didn’t want to carry on to a point when I was just making the numbers up.”

The highlights of Darley’s career were the victories aboard Attraction in the English and Irish 1,000 Guineas, Celtic Swing’s French Derby success and Bollin Eric winning the St Leger – his first English Classic triumph.