Nicky Henderson: “I would like to thank Barry for everything he’s done over the years”

I am really saddened to hear that Barry Geraghty has decided to call time on his excellent career and I have no doubt he will be sorely missed by so many trainers and owners he rode for and there will be a massive void in the weighing room from now on.

He was, and still is, an enormous friend and ally and we’ve had some wonderful days together, far to many to mention, but obviously the likes of Sprinter Sacre, who was undoubtedly the star of the show, as well as Punjabi, Buveur D’Air and Epatante who all won the Unibet Champion Hurdle so they are all very personal highlights. And then there is dear old Bob’s Worth who Barry actually sold to us and don’t mind admitting I didn’t really have much intention of buying him but I was stood in the sales ring with Mick Fitzgerald and I said to him, “come on let’s put in one more bid just for Barry’s sake” and somehow we managed to purchase him, which ended up a very shrewd move as he won at three consecutive Cheltenham Festivals culminating with the Gold Cup.

Barry is such a lovely guy and it was great to have him around the yard, first when he became stable jockey after Mick Fitzgerald retired and in recent years when he became retained jockey to JP McManus meaning we were still able to continue our successful association which continued right until the very ended, with three winners at this year’s Festival including a brilliant ride on Champ who he absolutely galvanised up the hill to win the RSA which proved to everyone he was still at the very top of his game. He was great for the big days, that’s not to say he wasn’t any good on a normal day, but he thrived on riding good horses and the big ocassion and rode with such confidence. He was excellent at giving feedback and owners loved hearing what he had to say after a race as well as on the schooling ground in the mornings – he was such a integral part of the whole team and a great horseman and jockey.

Whenever he came over to the UK he’d stay with Luke Harvey but Sophie and I loved having him around the place and we’ve enjoyed some great conversations around the kitchen table!

He’s had his falls and tumbles over the years but the good thing is that he retires on his own terms, fully intact and in one piece which is the way it should be as he has a lovely family and they can enjoy having him around a little bit more from now on.

I would like to thank him for everything he’s done for us all over the years, it won’t be the same without him, but we all wish him the very best for the future  – whatever that may be. He’ll be welcome at Seven a Barrows anytime.

Happy Retirement Barry!