'A brilliant and brave jockey' - tributes paid to retired rider Danny Cook

Trainer Brian Ellison hailed Danny Cook "a brilliant and brave jockey" as key figures in northern racing paid tribute to the rider following his enforced retirement.

Cook's 20-year riding career was brought to an end on medical grounds after he suffered horrific injuries when trod on by a horse following a fall at Market Rasen last October.

The 38-year-old was left with multiple facial injuries, requiring a total of 50 stitches, and impaired vision in his right eye.

The Romford-born jockey, who amassed 397 winners, became conditional at David Pipe's Pond House stable before moving north to Ellison's Malton base, prior to linking up with Sue Smith in West Yorkshire.

'The injuries were horrific'

As one of the leading riders in the north, Cook gained multiple Grade 2 victories, the majority of which came over fences including with Ellison's recently retired stable stalwart Definitly Red, who won the Many Clouds Chase twice, the Cotswold Chase and the Charlie Hall Chase.

Ellison said: "Danny was a brilliant jockey, especially over a fence, and brave as you like. We go back a while and still get on great and he's well liked by the other jockeys.

"Definitly Red needed a bit of riding and Danny's style was great on him. The injuries were horrific but he's a smashing lad with a nice family."

Definitly Red and Danny Cook winning the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in 2018Credit: Alan Crowhurst

Cook took over as the main rider for Smith following the retirement of Ryan Mania and enjoyed big-race success for the stable on the likes of Wakanda, Midnight Shadow and Vintage Clouds.

"We had some very good years together and he did a great job for us," said Smith. "He started riding out for us and it was a natural progression from there.

"He was a very good rider; a good horseman and very strong. He was always cheerful and was a great person to work with and it's unfortunate what's happened."

With Mania returning to the saddle after a five-year absence, the Grand National-winning partnership was back in tandem for much of last season as the Scotsman deputised for Cook.

'The doctors said it's over' – Danny Cook forced to retire due to eye injury

Smith added: "Ryan rides mainly for Sandy Thomson but he comes in and rides for us. We've been quiet over the summer, but he's going to be one of the main jockeys. We're fortunate there are some good jockeys in the north, so if Ryan's not available, there are others we can use."

Former champion jockey Brian Hughes had many a tussle with Cook over the years and will miss the rivalry.

"He wouldn't give you an inch on the racecourse, but he'd always have a laugh and joke in the weighing room," he said.

"He was a good rider and a popular guy who was lucky enough to ride a lot of nice horses for nice people.

"It's sad because when you retire from riding, you like to do it on your own terms. But he's lucky in a way because he got a horrible fall at Market Rasen and it could have been a lot worse."

Read more:

Retirement fears increase for jockey Danny Cook following horror eye injury

Danny Cook back on sidelines due to vision problems after horror fall

'I had 50 stitches in my face' – Danny Cook ruled out of quick return from injury

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