Dunguib's rider Brian O'Connell announces retirement Brian O'Connell has announced his retirement from riding because of ongoing injury problems. The 31-year-old rode over 250 winners as an amateur and a professional, including Grade One triumphs aboard the likes of Don Cossack and Last Instalment. But O'Connell is perhaps best known for his association with Dunguib, with whom he claimed three top-level victories, including the 2009 Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival. He has been forced to retire after unsuccessful surgery on his right shoulder following a fall at Tramore on October 5. O'Connell said: "I've had two operations on the shoulder, but I met with my surgeon and Dr Adrian McGuiness (Turf Club chief medical officer) yesterday and they were of the opinion that it's not going to be right. "I can manage away with it, but it's not going to be good for racing, so unfortunately that's it. "It's obviously very disappointing, but there were people in the world who received worst news than I did yesterday. "I'd have liked to have ridden for a good few more years yet, but I've still been lucky to have had such a great career. "I've ridden some brilliant horses and have enjoyed some brilliant days, but Dunguib winning at Cheltenham and Last Instalment winning the Irish Hennessy are the two that stand out the most." O'Connell hopes to stay within racing in some capacity. He said: "I've always loved the bloodstock side of things, and that's something I'd like to get involved in. "We've also a yard at home that I could develop with my wife, so that's something to also think about. "I won't be leaving the industry."
