Festival winner Mikey Fogarty quits at 27: I just don't want to do it anymore

Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Mikey Fogarty has retired from race-riding at the age of 27 in order to pursue other interests.

Fogarty, who guided Don Poli to victory in the 2014 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham, turned professional in September of 2013 and rode 140 career winners.

His final ride was aboard the Paul Nolan-trained Fine Theatre in a 3m handicap chase at Punchestown on April 29 where he finished ninth behind Sizing Codelco.

"I want to do other things, it is just a lifestyle choice to be honest," Fogarty told the Racing Post.

He added: "When I'm doing something, no matter what it is, I want to do it right and I just don't want to do it anymore. I have done my stint as a jockey. I wouldn't say that I have fallen out of love with racing, I would say I never loved it enough to start with.

"Even though I knew I wanted to, I didn't want to come out straight after Punchestown and say I was retiring just in case I changed my mind. I gave myself some time in case I had a change of heart. I am completely content with my decision."

Fogarty has returned home to county Wexford where he is working alongside his brother Jonathan at Gaynestown Stud.

"I am back working at home now with my brother, Johnny, at Gaynestown Stud. We have a few broodmares. We have three or four horses riding out and we have a few foals and yearlings as well. It is all very enjoyable and it allows me to pursue other interests as well, like hurling. I love playing hurling for my local club, St Anne's."

Members can read an exclusive interview with Mikey Fogarty on racingpost.com from 6pm