Nick Scholfield announces retirement from the saddle

Grade One-winning jockey Nick Scholfield has retired from race-riding and is set to join the training ranks next season.

In a career which spanned nearly two decades and brought 680 winners, Scholfield enjoyed four victories at the top level and three more triumphs at the Cheltenham Festival.

He said: “As a child, all I ever wanted to do was become a jockey, following in my father’s footsteps. I feel incredibly privileged to have ridden professionally and shared the weighing room with some amazing jockeys over the years.

“I would like to extend my thanks and express my deep gratitude to so many people who have helped me over the years – the owners, trainers, stable staff, my agents and sponsors.

“They have all supported me throughout my career, many of whom have been with me since my early days as a 7lb claimer. I’m excited for the next chapter as a trainer!”

Scholfield partnered Melodic Rendezvous to win the 2013 Tolworth Hurdle, Irving in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle a year later, Adrien Du Pont in the 2016 Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow and San Benedeto in the Maghull Novices’ Chase at the 2017 Grand National meeting.

His Cheltenham Festival victories came on board Hunt Ball, Qualando and Sky Pirate, the first of which gave him incredible pleasure after winning seven out of eight races and rising 88lb up the handicap.

“He was an absolute gentleman – so straightforward and confident. Every time I rode him, I believed we’d win,” said Scholfield, whose final ride was on the pulled-up Monbeg Genius in the Grand National on Saturday.