‘Such a shame' as promising jockey forced to retire aged 23 on ‘medical advice'
The messages of support have flooded in
SAD END 'Such a shame' as promising jockey forced to retire aged 23 on 'medical advice'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
PROMISING jockey Gearoid Harney has been forced to retire from racing aged just 23 on 'medical advice'.
The conditional rider 'kept getting concussed' when he fell and suffered a heavy crash at Fakenham in January.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
2
Jockey Gearoid Harney has been forced to retire aged just 23
Credit: Alamy
Harney was rushed to hospital for urgent care and racing was abandoned soon after his slip from David Pipe's Micronormous - which would turn out to be his final ever race.
Unfortunately, while he recovered from that incident, doctors had advised him to stop racing altogether.
A post from Pipe said on X: "Wishing conditional jockey Gearoid Harney @Gearoid84997068 the very best for the future as he unfortunately will not be returning to the saddle following his fall in January on medical advice.
"He rode ten winners for me, the highlight being Kingston Queen's Listed Bumper success."
Pipe added: "The scans showed there was still some damage there and it wasn't right for him to get his licence back. The decision was in their hands.
"He kept getting concussed when he fell and the IJF have been very supportive, so he'll have to have a think about what he'll do in the future."
Harney came close to more disaster at Market Rasen earlier this season when he was running round the Lincolnshire track.
Unaware a race was taking place behind him, he continued jogging as the horses thundered past.
After narrowly avoiding what could have been a terrible accident just days before his Fakenham fall, Harney said: "I was mistaken but thankfully there was no harm done.
"It was close enough and too close for comfort. I don't think they'll be forgetting that one in a hurry!"
2
Harney came close to disaster at Market Rasen when he jogged on the track in the middle of a race
Punters were quick to offer Harney their support, with some saying it was a great 'shame' he had been forced out.
A post from Irish Racing referenced the tragic death of Michael O'Sullivan in a race earlier this year as a reminder of the dangers jockeys face every day.
The message read: "We wish Irish jockey Gearoid Harney all the best as he is forced to retire due to a severe head injury from a fall at Fakenham in January.
"In a challenging year for our sport, marked by the tragic passing of Michael O'Sullivan, this incident further highlights the risks jockeys face."
Harney retires with 21 wins from 197 rides and just shy of £250,000 in prize money earnings.
FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed
Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
‘Plenty of noise' – Sacked Ange Postecoglou takes final swipe at critics in heartfelt statement to Tottenham fans
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ANGE POSTECOGLOU has broken his silence after he was sacked by Tottenham. The Aussie boss was sacked two years to the day he was hired by chairman Daniel Levy. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Ange Postecoglou has released a statement after being sacked by Tottenham Credit: AFP 2 He broke the club's 17-year wait for a trophy and took a final swipe at critics Credit: PA Postecoglou leaves the north London club having broken their 17-year wait for a trophy after lifting the Europa League in Bilbao by beating Manchester United. However, a woeful Premier League campaign which saw the club finish 17th and record 22 losses meant his position was ultimately untenable. But the 59-year-old has now released a statement on the decision, via his agency CAA Base. The lengthy statement said: "When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride. "The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. "Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. "That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. "There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. "I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. Postecoglou unrecognisable in amazing throwback video as first club share emotional 3-minute tribute after Europa League "I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. "I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on. "It's important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis. "And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. "A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. "We are forever connected. Audere est Facere." Full Tottenham Statement On Ange's Sacking Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties. Ange joined us from Celtic in the summer of 2023 and oversaw a period of change on the pitch, returning us to the attacking brand of football that has traditionally been associated with the Club, while writing a new chapter in our history by leading us to UEFA Europa League glory in Bilbao last month - an achievement that will live with us all forever. We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club. Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw. However, the Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place. Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances - injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign. Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the Club's greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph. It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond. This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision. We have a talented, young squad and Ange has given us a great platform to build upon. We should like to express our gratitude to him. We wish him well for the future - he will always be welcome back at our home. News on the appointment of a new Head Coach will be announced in due course The decision comes after Postecoglou compared his time at the club to a TV show before saying, "season three is better than season two". His overall record at the club reads 47 wins from 101 games, with a win percentage of 47 per cent. As SunSport reported Fabio Paratici is to return to Tottenham as managing director and will play a key role in finding the club's next manager. In the club's own statement on the sacking, Spurs said: "This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. "We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision. "We have a talented, young squad and Ange has given us a great platform to build upon. We should like to express our gratitude to him. "We wish him well for the future - he will always be welcome back at our home." It is understood Postecoglou will take home a £4million compensation package as a result. Brentford boss Thomas Frank and Fulham's Marco Silva have both been linked with the now-vacant job in north London. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Huge Derby chance Ruling Court could be PULLED from race at last minute amid dire weather warning for Epsom
It could scupper his chances of the Triple Crown COURT UP Huge Derby chance Ruling Court could be PULLED from race at last minute amid dire weather warning for Epsom Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HUGE Derby chance Ruling Court could be pulled from the race at the last minute - amid a dire weather warning for Epsom. The 2,000 Guineas hero is as short as 9-2 second-fav for the world's most famous Flat race. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 2,000 Guineas hero Ruling Court could be pulled from the Derby if the weather and ground get too rough at Epsom Credit: Getty But ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin reported trainer Charlie Appleby is having doubts over his participation. A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and hail is in place for Epsom on Saturday. While a deluge of rain is set to fall overnight. Godolphin trainer Appleby saw red-hot Oaks favourite Desert Flower get turned over by Aidan O'Brien's Minnie Hauk. Chamberlin said: "Charlie felt it was the track rather than the trip that hindered Desert Flower. "And when talking about tomorrow, he said if it gets very wet and messy and they start coming to the stands' side, they might just have a think about whether to run Ruling Court or not." More to follow. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
With questions over many I have every confidence in my massive 14-1 Epsom Derby NAP
It looks like this one could be written in the stars MATT CHAPMAN With questions over many I have every confidence in my massive 14-1 Epsom Derby NAP Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Aga wins the Aga Derby. That's fairytale stuff, isn't it? I'm not so sure. I'm talking, of course, about Midak, one of the French raiders supplemented into Saturday's Group 1 Betfred Derby, the world's most famous Classic beamed to you live on ITV. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The Kings of Epsom - Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien - have an obvious chance with Delacroix... but I don't think they'll win the Derby Credit: PA Derby Day should always be something special for anyone who loves the thoroughbred. For many it's the ultimate test of the Flat racehorse, and it has tested the best. Winners like Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Nashwan and Sea The Stars... as well as those in defeat like Dancing Brave and El Gran Senor. The twists and turns are one thing, the stamina test over a mile and a half of the Epsom Downs another. Will he stay? That will be the question many ask about the majority of today's runners. It's certainly a doubt for 2,000 Guineas hero Ruling Court, who was hardly mentioned after being chased home by fast-finishing Field of Gold at HQ. Could it just be Ruling Court was the best horse for William Buick and Charlie Appleby? Time will tell. Delacroix really should stay for the Derby King of Trainers, Aidan O'Brien. But Ballysax and Leopardstown Derby Trial victor Delacroix is by Dubawi. In itself that is no bad thing. But the super stallion has had nine runners to date in seven different editions of the Derby and none of them has finished in the first four. Dubawi himself ran in the 2005 Derby, eventually going down eight lengths to Motivator. That was six years after his sire, Dubai Millennium, met the only defeat of his career when sent off the favourite for the Derby. Pride of Arras has only raced twice but looked very useful when romping home from Damysus in a slowly run Dante at York which saw The Lion In Winter pull his chance away in the first two furlongs. Ralph Beckett's challenger, ridden by Hector Crouch, is bred to stay and could be the real deal for owner-breeder Mrs David Aykroyd. Her colours are also carried by Amiloc, who hacked up at Goodwood the other day but can't run here as he's been gelded. Lambourn is a similar type to Los Angeles who ran well behind stable companion City of Troy last year. Another O'Brien raider, Lambourn is proven over further having landed the Chester Vase but he was beaten by Delacroix in the Ballysax. The other I want to mention, before I get on to Midak, is Stanhope Gardens, who is another for Beckett and has always appeared to be a Derby type. Last season Stanhope Gardens was only beaten a neck by Delacroix in the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket. That puts him bang in the mix. The son of Ghaiyyath is bred to stay well and had effectively a racecourse gallop at Salisbury the other day when winning an event put on especially for him. But let's get back to my French fancy Midak. 2 Mickael Barzalona celebrates riding Pour Moi to victory in Derby - and I think he'll be doing the same on Midak... though maybe not quite so early! Credit: PA:Empics Sport He runs in the colours of Aga Khan Studs SCEA in a Derby run in memory of His Highness Aga Khan IV. That means he carries the green and red silks that have been worn at Epsom by legends like Shergar, Shahrastani, Kahyasi, Sinndar and Harzand. So, naturally, a Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Midak victory would be fairytale stuff under Mickaël Barzalona, who won this on Pour Moi in 2011. Midak is out of a mare by Sinndar and is already very useful. My hope is unbeaten in three races and his form suggests he's a solid, improving Group 2 horse, having scored well over an extended 1m2f at Saint-Cloud last time. He kept on well that day suggesting this trip would suit and of course he's bred for it. 'He's definitely a horse improving with his races and will definitely get the trip,' explained Nemone Routh, racing manager for the Aga Khan Studs. 'We're not sure on his form lines and how it stacks up, but all he can do is win and he's won every start. 'He's going to have to handle the track and he's a big horse with a big, long stride. Mickael Barzalona thinks he will handle the track because he's well balanced. 'We would be very happy to see him finish in the first three or even first five, but he is a bit of an unknown quantity and he does everything easily at home. It's a little bit of a shot in the dark, but we thought it was worth it.' It's the type of Derby to simply 'have a go'. And there would be no more poignant victory than one for Midak. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
