Fenton retires on a high note
The 38-year-old went out in a blaze of glory, driving the Tony Mullins trained heavily-backed favourite to a length victory over Black Apalachi.
Fenton was champion in his home country four times, including a tie, and was also champion in Britain in 1988-89 with 21 successes.
In all he rode a total of 338 winners, a tremendous tally for an amateur pilot.
He was associated with numerous top-class horses, especially Danoli, Mucklemeg and Ventana Canyon, and tasted success at both Cheltenham and Aintree.
He won the four mile Champion Chase at Prestbury Park on Loving Around for Edward O’Grady and took the Foxhunters at Aintree on Elegant Lord (Enda Bolger) and the Bumper on Kickham (O’Grady). He also landed the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown on O’Grady’s Time For A Run.
Fenton, however, cited his win on Sagaman in the Galway Hurdle in ‘91 as his career highlight.
He said: “It was probably the Galway Hurdle, because it was such a surprise. I couldn’t believe it, jumping the last in front.”
He has decided to call it a day to concentrate on his training career. He is based at Carrick-On-Suir and had his first winner at Listowel on Monday with Slipeneer.
It took all of his considerable skill yesterday to force L’Atartique home in front, after the horse had hung left and right under pressure.
“It is a relief to win, I was going to bow out one way or another anyway”, said Fenton. “He gave me some scary moments.
“I’m happy to be retiring and had been phasing out the riding over the last few years. I wanted to go quietly and am amazed at the reception I got, it was great.”
