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Barry Geraghty eyeing career in media and bloodstock after retirement

Barry Geraghty: announced his retirement on Saturday
Barry Geraghty: announced his retirement on SaturdayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Barry Geraghty is considering a career in punditry and bloodstock following his retirement from riding on Saturday, but for now will enjoy "taking his foot off the gas" after a glittering career in the saddle.

The rider announced his retirement on Saturday night, having ridden 1,920 winners, 121 of them at the top level. He now plans to spend more time with wife Paula and their three children Siofra, Orla and Rian.

However, Geraghty, 40, told the Racing Post's Racing Riot podcast he will still be involved with jump racing in future and is leaning towards a career in bloodstock, in which he has already proved successful.

He bought Bobs Worth as a yearling in 2006 and made a small profit when selling him two years later. His talent for nurturing horses in their younger years was showcased when Bobs Worth enjoyed Cheltenham Gold Cup glory almost five years later under Geraghty.

Punditry is another option if he looks to follow in the footsteps of fellow riding greats Ruby Walsh and Sir Anthony McCoy, while training could be another long-term ambition.

Geraghty said: "I don't have any major plans. I've always kept a good bit of bloodstock and I enjoy that. I've been fortunate to have had success with Bobs Worth and Brain Power, and a few other horses have done well.

"I get a good kick out of it and I suppose I would be leaning more towards that side than training, albeit I've been involved with a few good point-to-pointers, so to that level I could train.

Bobs Worth (in front): winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2013
Bobs Worth (in front): winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2013Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"But I'm not rushing to take on much, definitely in the short term. I just want to try and enjoy this. I've been on the road and flying back to England for the past 12 years since I started with Nicky [Henderson] on a full-time basis. I've been a part-time dad and I'm very much happy to take my foot off the gas for now.

"Working with different TV channels is something I can do and would be interested in doing. I'm very open minded but I'm not rushing in to taking on everything at the minute."

On the show – which also features an interview with Saturday's July Cup-winning jockey Cieren Fallon – Geraghty reflected on some of his best days in the saddle and some of the defining moments of his 23-year career.

On his role as retained rider for JP McManus, Geraghty said: "I had a great relationship with Nicky and to leave him wasn't straightforward. What it did is offer the opportunity for me to ride more in Ireland, which I did miss and I really longed for that.

"When you commute you don't get to enjoy the big days as much as you're dashing out of the racecourse to get a flight home after being in England for three or four days. You're anxious to get home."


Read more:

'I've fulfilled all my dreams' - Barry Geraghty says the time was right to go

McCoy: 'He was a brilliant jockey in every department - and Archie's favourite' (members)

Moscow Flyer, Sprinter Sacre... who's on our list of Geraghty's greatest horses?

Noel Meade: Barry Geraghty was the strongest I have ever seen in a finish

Henderson and Johnson lead social media tributes for retiring Barry Geraghty

How Barry Geraghty made himself the king of the Champion Chase


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James StevensWest Country correspondent

Published on 14 July 2020inNews

Last updated 09:47, 15 July 2020

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