Hand has final ride at Wexford Jockey Danny Hand is set to have his final ride at Wexford this evening before hanging up his boots. The claimer, who rode 22 winners during his career in the saddle, will make his final racecourse appearance on Rocky Court in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase on the card. Weight issues have limited his opportunities in recent years and with a baby on the way Hand feels now is a good time to move in another direction. Irish Grand National winning trainer Dermot McLoughlin has been his main sources of rides and fittingly gives him the leg up for the final time. “I have my final ride today,” revealed Hand. “I haven't been getting as many rides recently due to weight issues and it's just not financially viable anymore. “Myself and my partner are also expecting our first child so I felt it was a good time to call it a day. “I'll still ride out for Dermot and I'm also in the process of establishing a pre-training business. “I appreciate all the support I've had from Dermot over the years and it's nice to go out on one of his as he got me going. “I'm very thankful to him and plenty of other trainers who have given me rides along the way.” Hand is now hoping to build a successful business breaking and pre-training:- “I have a yard across the road from Lee Valley gallops, close to where Dermot trains, and I'm very lucky to have excellent facilities. “I'm looking forward to building up that business and anyone who needs a young horse brought along can get in touch with me!”
