'I'll miss the banter' - Henderson praises 'terrific character' O'Leary
Five-time champion jumps trainer Nicky Henderson on Tuesday described Michael O'Leary as "a terrific character" after the Ryanair supremo revealed his intention to wind down his Gigginstown House Stud operation.
While Henderson admits O'Leary's decision will clearly impact the sport financially, he highlighted a strong personal relationship, with the pair enjoying "each other's banter" on the track.
"Their decision will have an effect on the market place, but that's not the most important factor," said Henderson. "More than anything, it's sad as I've enjoyed playing with Michael enormously over the years.
"We've watched a lot of races together and have enjoyed each other's banter. He's a terrific character but these things happen."
Henderson, who has enjoyed many great tussles with Gigginstown at the Cheltenham Festival and beyond, has stressed the winding down process will take time and is relishing more battles with O'Leary in the coming years.
He said: "It's a long way from the end. One day I shall probably say I'll stop buying store horses, but I'm going to the sales next week to buy unbroken three-year-olds who won't be any good for another three years, by which time I'll be 72!
"I still intend to be training then, but I see Michael's point. He's achieved a hell of a lot and it's premature to say we'll miss him because there's a long way to go.
"I love his attitude and he's his own man," added Henderson. "We all know that and he makes his own decisions – but I admire him for everything.
"It will be very sad for jump racing when it actually ends, but this isn't the end. They have loads of four-year-olds with six-plus years racing in them, so he'll be around for a bit."
Get exclusive insight from the track and live tipping with Raceday Live - our up-to-the-minute service on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app
Published on 4 July 2019inIreland
Last updated 13:43, 4 July 2019
- 'I'm a bit battered and bruised, but days like these make it all worth it' - Jack Kennedy crowned new champion jump jockey
- 'He was a horse of a lifetime' - Gordon Elliott leads tributes to three-time Grade 1 winner Sire Du Berlais
- New £50,000 jockeys' challenge launches as the World Pool returns to Britain and Ireland on 2,000 Guineas day
- World record: Willie Mullins tops own achievement by securing most Grade 1 wins in a season after Il Etait Temps success
- Going unchanged at Punchestown but further rain set to hit the track this afternoon
- 'I'm a bit battered and bruised, but days like these make it all worth it' - Jack Kennedy crowned new champion jump jockey
- 'He was a horse of a lifetime' - Gordon Elliott leads tributes to three-time Grade 1 winner Sire Du Berlais
- New £50,000 jockeys' challenge launches as the World Pool returns to Britain and Ireland on 2,000 Guineas day
- World record: Willie Mullins tops own achievement by securing most Grade 1 wins in a season after Il Etait Temps success
- Going unchanged at Punchestown but further rain set to hit the track this afternoon