Grand National hero Niall 'Slippers' Madden hangs up his boots at Punchestown

Grand National-winning jockey Niall ‘Slippers’ Madden, who rode nearly 400 winners in a career spanning the best part of two decades, has had his last ride in public after announcing his retirement with immediate effect at Punchestown on Thursday.

Son of multiple Cheltenham Festival-winning rider turned trainer Niall 'Boots' Madden, Madden, best remembered for partnering the Martin Brassil-trained Numbersixvalverde to Grand National success at Aintree in 2006, said he felt the time was right to retire.

The 35-year-old rider said after finishing 11th on Rich Belief: “This is my local track. I had my first ride here so it was great to start and finish my career at Punchestown.

"Winning the Grand National aboard Numbersixvalverde was obviously the major highlight and to ride two Grade 1 winners – Jazz Messenger and Nickname – was huge as well."

He added: "I've had fantastic support from trainers and owners down through the years. Mum and Dad have been great, and Aine [O'Connor, girlfriend] and it's a pity they couldn't be here today. I'm just delighted to be able to walk out on my own terms."

Niall Madden is embraced by Ruby Walsh after winning the Aintree Grand National on NumbersixvalverdeCredit: Edward Whitaker

Madden rode his first winner for his father aboard Teknash at Wexford on July 12, 2002 and partnered 391 winners in total.

He enjoyed Grade 1 success aboard Brassil's Nickname in the Dial-A-Bet Chase back in 2006. That proved a fruitful year for the jockey, who was also successful aboard the Noel Meade-trained Jazz Messenger in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. The pair also combined to win the 2005 Galway Hurdle with More Rainbows.

JP McManus, for whom Madden rode his final winner The Long Mile, has been a major supporter of the jockey in recent seasons and Madden offered his condolences to the McManus family following the death of Emma McManus, the owner's daughter-in-law.

He said: "My condolences go out to the McManus family on such a sad day."

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