From the Champion Hurdle to chafer grubs: why Richard Linley is finally ready for a breather
Richard Linley reflects on half a century in racing with senior reporter Chris Cook
After more than half a century of work in horseracing, Richard Linley is finally ready to take a breather. A long stint as the BHA's senior inspector of courses followed his successful riding career, with the result that he can't remember the last time he had an entire fortnight off.
Even now, with his 69th birthday just a few weeks away, it is possible to sense some reluctance about the idea of stopping entirely. His involvement has been tapering since February and it is not clear exactly when he'll take a final bow.
"Probably after the point-to-point seminars in early autumn," is his best guess. He has been helping to train other ex-jockeys who are joining the course inspectorate team, Wayne Hutchinson and Kevin Jones, and the collegiate aspect of the job is clearly what he's going to miss.
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- 'You can see why people end up struggling - when you're trying to pay the electric bill, losing one ride can be massive'
- 'I've never paid six figures for a horse and never will - I learned pretty quickly you're only one phone call away from f*** all'
- 'I’ve trained some fabulous horses, worked with some excellent riders - maybe I have brought a little bit of talent to the table as well'
- ‘When you’re in the moment and you’re starved, you’re ready to explode - everything built up and I just lost my s**t’
- 'He must have his breakfast earlier than Willie does' - Patrick Mullins goes behind enemy lines at Gordon Elliott's yard