'It's a bit of a weird feeling' - Joe Tuite signs off training career at Windsor

Joe Tuite felt a mix of sadness and nerves as he saddled the final runner of his 11-year training career on Saturday, yet he stands by a decision to retire due to financial difficulties.

Via Sistina outran her 33-1 odds to finish fourth in the Sytner Sunningdale & Maidenhead BMW Winter Hill Stakes (6.35) at Windsor.

Tuite revealed he'd had a "few offers" for a future job in racing but no decision had been made.

Tuite said on Saturday morning: "It's a bit of a weird feeling – I can't really describe it. It's a bit of sadness I suppose.

"There are a lot of times where you go racing and there's not much of a worry but today I'm on tenterhooks about it all."

The trainer said a difficult season, with just two winners, and financial issues heightened by escalating costs were behind his reasons to retire.

Via Sistina: finished fourth at WindsorCredit: Edward Whitaker

He added: "It's definitely the right thing to do. I was down on numbers and it was putting square pegs into round holes. I'd be worried looking down the road what the future would be like for the lower-tier racing, that's for sure.

"It's tough but business is tough for everyone, not just racing, it's in all walks of life.

"I know my decision surprised a few people, but a few people that were closer to me weren't as they could see the way things were going."

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