COMMAND PAD

Ben Hastie talks to jockey Paddy Brennan about his brilliant career in the saddle and what lies ahead

- Ben Hastie

Ben Hsatie: Could you tell us a bit about your childhood growing up and how you became a Jockey? Which trainers did you work for in the early days of your career? Paddy Brennan: I grew up on a farm in Ireland and got into horses at the age of 10. The first racing trainer I worked for was Gerry Stack on the Curragh where I spent 2 summers. From there I moved to Jim Bolgers where I did a five year apprenticeship before moving to England.

BH: Your last ride before announcing your retirement was a winner at Cheltenham. Some Jockeys - Ruby Walsh and Tom Scudamore - retired on the spot whereas Frankie Dettori announced his retirement a year before he actually did. Did you set a certain date for retirement or was it more you retired when it just felt the right time for you on the day?

PB: There was no date but it was certainly on my mind for over a year. I love Cheltenham and I always wanted to go out on a winner there if I could. It just happened that the day came where I said to myself and told my wife that if one of my two rides win I’m done. Thankfully one did, the last one!

BH: I started at Cheltenham in 2006 and one horse I adored watching was Inglis Drever. I loved how he would come off the bridle and need to be rousted along during the race to then battle like a terrier and he won 3 World Hurdles which is some achievement. You won the 2007 World Hurdle on him. How important was he to your career?