Retiring Flat jockey Fergus Sweeney to join the BHA as a steward

Group 1-winning Flat jockey Fergus Sweeney, whose retirement is imminent, will emulate former weighing-room colleague Steve Drowne by joining the BHA's stewarding team.

Sweeney, whose biggest success in the saddle came on Twilight Son in the Sprint Cup at Haydock in 2015, announced last month he would retire from the saddle in November and has wasted no time finding a new role.

The globetrotting 41-year-old, whose rides in Britain have dried up in the last few years, will link up with the regulator in December to begin his training.

Sweeney won the 2015 Sprint Cup at Haydock with Twilight SonCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"I'm excited to be starting a new career as a steward when I retire in November," he said. "Riding has given me a fantastic 25 years and I'm looking forward to being able to use that experience in my new career."

Brant Dunshea, chief regulatory officer of the BHA, added: "It's great news that Fergus will by joining our stewarding team at what is an exciting time.

"I'm sure his years of experience riding at the highest level around the world will be an invaluable addition to the stewards' room."

Sweeney mirrors the move made in 2018 by Drowne, who retired following the final Flat meeting of 2017 before joining the BHA, which recently completed its drawn-out search for a new head of stewarding with South African Shaun Parker appointed to the role.

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