John Cullen retires from the saddle John Cullen has announced his retirement as a jockey at Galway this afternoon to concentrate on a training career. Cullen (38) had a number of career highlights at Ballybrit including two Galway Hurdles on the Paul Nolan-trained pair Say Again (2002) and Cloone River (2004). Grade 1 winners over a lengthy career include two victories in the Durkan New Homes Novice Chase at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting on Mariah Rollins and Follow The Plan, while a successful association with the late Oliver Brady included two Grade 2 wins on Maralan. Cullen said, "I've been thinking about it for a while, and really just made my mind up today. It's been hard to get rides the past few years and my weight has been a struggle. If I could ride until I'm 60 it would be great but you just have to say enough is enough. "I've got a new job with Joey Logan on the Curragh training point-to-pointers for him and a few of my own. I've something to look forward to so hopefully I can make a good go of that. "My wife Anne-Marie has been worried about me for a while and is relieved that I've made the decision myself. "I'd like to thank all the owners and trainers who let me ride for them over the years, and I'd a great time doing it."
