Hills hangs up boots Michael Hills' career in the saddle has ended on a low-key note after he gave up what should have been his final rides at Newmarket on Saturday. The 49-year-old felt unwell so decided not to take up his four booked mounts at Headquarters. "I'm dehydrated and don't feel well, so I'm not riding today - and that's it," he said. He announced only last month he would retire at the end of the current campaign. He has ridden over 2,000 winners and signs off the same year as his twin brother Richard, who decided the time was right to call it quits in March. Michael Hills won the 1996 Derby on the William Haggas-trained Shaamit and was champion apprentice in 1983. Among the best horses he rode were Royal Applause, trained by his father Barry, and Pentire who won the King VI And Queen Elizabeth and Irish Champion Stakes. Among his other big-race winners were La Cucaracha, First Island, Handsome Sailor and Equiano. His final winner came only on Friday when he partnered Winter Song, trained by his brother Charlie, to victory at Newmarket.
