Michael Hills chooses right time to retire from riding
Michael Hills, who rode his first winner at Nottingham in 1979, is set to hang his boots at the end of this turf season. During his wonderful career spanning four decades, he mustered more than two-thousand winners, and has picked up the right time to call
it a day.
The 49-year-old is getting no younger now. He himself admits that it is the right time to quit professional racing, adding that he had been thinking about leaving since Royal Ascot meeting.
He said a few days ago: "I've been thinking about it since Royal Ascot. It's not a decision I've taken lightly, because once it's made there's no going back. I have had a great career, riding at the top level for many years.”
"There's nothing quite like riding winners, especially big winners. It's just you and the horse, and the thrill and the buzz you get from that is something special, and it always will be. But nothing lasts forever and every jockey knows when it is time to
move on. For me, that time has now come."
Hills won plenty of mega events during his journey. After enjoying a lot of success in 80s and 90s, he continued to perform brilliantly in the 21st century. In 2010, he sealed a couple of victories at the highest level of the game.
Riding Equiano, the veteran jockey did a great job in the Group 1, King's Stand Stakes (British Leg of The Global Sprint Challenge). After doing a wonderful act in Great Britain, he perpetuated the superb work, and with Redwood, sealed a comprehensive win
in the Grade 1, Northern Dancer Turf Stakes
He has been performing quite excellently in the ongoing season. After winning a tough race with Just The Judge at Newmarket, he came to Kempton with a huge bang earlier this month. On Flawless Beauty, he easily finished first on the podium by half a length.
The Derby winning jockey announced his decision on October 13th, when he, on Red Jazz, missed the gold only by a neck’s distance in the Group 2, Dubai Challenge Stakes. The sport will surely miss him, and he is going to remain a role model for
the young riders.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not reflect Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
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