First winners, final winners and fatherhood – this year had it all

Trainers and jockeys nominate their best moment of the year

Franny Norton, jockey
It would have to be riding over 100 winners as that has been a big aim for me. Just as importantly, it would be staying fit as that is key for every jockey.

Donald McCain, trainer
The highlight of my year was finally winning a race with Knock House at Bangor. I've had him for a couple of years and he's had lots of problems so to see him do the business for the best owner in the world was tremendous.

Jim Crowley, jockey
It’s a close call for me. It would have to be a toss up between winning the Commonwealth Cup on Eqtidaar and landing the Ebor aboard Muntahaa.

Jim Crowley and Eqtidaar win the Commonweatlh Cup at Royal AscotCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Barry Geraghty, jockey
It has to be winning the Champion Hurdle on Buveur D'Air at Cheltenham in March. He won by a neck as the 4-6 favourite and it wasn't how we saw it, but he got it done and it was a great day – it's a great race to win.

Andrew Thornton, former jockey
The final day of my career at Uttoxeter in June. Four rides, one winner and a 25 per cent strike-rate. I went out with a bang on Amirr and still went out for two more rides when everyone thought I'd stop there and then – but that's not me. It was particularly memorable as I was able to have all my family there.

George Wood, jockey
Riding out my claim was the highlight of my year. That is the aim for every apprentice and I’ve been supported by some great trainers and owners.

Rebecca Menzies, trainer
My highlight of the year was winning a bumper at Catterick with Soviet Castle. It was our first bumper winner after lots of seconds and he looks a special horse for the future. He'll probably have a little break over Christmas then come back for another bumper in the spring. He looks smart.

Colin Keane, jockey
Riding the winner in Hong Kong a few weeks ago was a great buzz [Special Stars], but on the home front Who's Steph was the highlight. She stood out for me the way she won the two 1,000 Guineas trials. Unfortunately the ground didn't come right for her at the Curragh, but she ran a cracker when she came back on Champions Weekend and she could be a very nice filly for next year.

Jimmy Moffatt, trainer
My undoubted highlight of the year was finding out that I am going to be the father of a daughter in April.

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