Whelan retires Whether it was his flying dismount from Stop The Waller after his Kim Muir success as an amateur back in 1996 or his presence with the Sam Curling horses at the point-to-points lately, racing enthusiasts have seen Ken Whelan in many different guises. Unfortunately the Waterford jockey has had to call time on his career in the saddle at the age of 41. The news comes on the back of advice from doctors that it would be unwise to continue following a third break of his vertebrae. Well-known orthopaedic surgeon, Tadhg O'Sullivan, based at Whitfield clinic in Waterford City, couldn't give Whelan the go-ahead to continue. Whelan was reportedly distraught at the news but he can take solace in the fact that he had plenty of memorable moments stretched over three decades. His fifth-placing on Gimme Five in the 1998 Aintree Grand National was put forward by the passionate Deise supporter as a high-point. It was hardly surprising to see Sam Curling state in an interview at the start of the year that: "I get great help from Ken Whelan, who keeps us all entertained!" One of the first tributes on twitter came from BarryJGeraghty Best of luck in retirement to weigh room legend @kenwhelan01 lucky to get out in one piece his daily antics will be missed #topclass Davy Russell‏@_Davy_Russel_@kenwhelan will b sadly missed in the weigh room 1 of the all time greats Irish Bloodstock ‏@irishbloodstock Only one word comes to mind when one thinks of retiring Irish jockey (& Cheltenham festival winner) @kenwhelan01 and that is simply #LEGEND paddy flood‏@paddyflood KEN WHELAN. #legend That is all.. @patcashhealy @kenwhelan01 Happy Retirement Whelan. The racing circus wont be the same without its funniest clown !! @GoRacing @kenwhelan01, one the nicest & funniest guys in the Weigh Room, retires today under Doctor's advice. Good luck Ken! @Mr_Andy_Mc @kenwhelan01 just reading about you, best of luck. Big loss but i'm sure we'll see you all the time anyway Meanwhile Whelan replied @kenwhelan01 Thanks a mill for all great messages.Its sad to say goodbye to something I gave my life doing loved every min of it A lengthy profile of Ken Whelan is available to view on http://www.goracing.ie/HRI/Whats-On/About-Horse-Racing/Profiles/Jockey-Profiles/Ken-Whelan/
