Fitzgerald bows out

Mick Fitzgerald has announced his retirement from the saddle following the latest in a series of major injuries.

The 38-year-old rider suffered serious neck damage and a problem with his knee ligament after a fall from L’Ami in the John Smith’s Grand National in April.

He subsequently underwent two bouts of surgery to realign three vertebrae and two discs.

Fitzgerald had broken his neck in a fall two years ago and has now been advised not to return to race-riding.

“I have had to take the advice of the medical experts and they are obviously correct,” he said.

“I have had a great career in racing and am still heavily involved in the sport and that will continue.

“It’s the news I didn’t want. But I have always respected medical opinion. These people know best and I will accept their decision 100%.

“I will be giving up riding with a lump in my throat because it is a game I have loved all of my life.

“But I will still be involved in the game in many capacities. After all, racing has always been in my blood,” he told the Daily Star.

Fitzgerald bagged a host of big races during his illustrious career, including the 1996 Grand National aboard Rough Quest and the 1999 Cheltenham Gold Cup on See More Business.