McGarvey hangs up his boots Grade 1 winning jockey Jody McGarvey announced his retirement from the saddle today after finishing third on Mirazur West in the Frontline Security Handicap Chase at Punchestown. The Derry-man has been associated with leading owner JP McManus in recent years. He ends his career having partnered four Grade 1 winners, the first coming on Great Field in the Ryanair Novice Chase at Punchestown in 2017 A memorable Easter Sunday at Fairyhouse in 2021 saw him bag a Grade 1 double on Skyace and Janidil. Most recently he partnered I Am Maximus to success in the Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse in December 2023. “It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while. At the start of the season I set myself goals and I told my partner Shauna at the start of the year if I didn’t achieve those goals I’d look to so something else,” said McGarvey. “I’ve had a good career, I haven’t had a great one but I’ve enjoyed most of it. “I set myself a target of winners for the year, and to get on a good horse, and it just wasn’t really happening for me. “I’d rather go out now on my own terms, when I feel like I’m riding well and getting opportunities at festivals like this, rather than dragging my heels for another couple of years. “The last thing I want to do is be finished up with a chip on my shoulder. I’m going out with my head held high. “It’s a pity I didn’t get the fairytale end that I hoped for but I rode a favourite but I rode a favourite at the Punchestown festival for Willie Mullins and JP (McManus) and it doesn’t really get much bigger than that. “He led them down to the last but it just didn’t quite work out on the day. “I got out in one piece and a lot of people haven’t been that lucky. We lost Mikey O’Sullivan during the year and that hit hard. “I’m incredibly thankful that after all the injuries I’ve had I’ve come out the other side. Myself and my partner are expecting a baby next month. “I was never going to be a jockey forever. I haven’t loved every minute of it but I had great craic along the way and it’s on to new chapters.”
