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Tinkler leads the tributes as Fitzgerald forced out
YORKSHIRE'S rising star Andrew Tinkler has led the tributes to Mick Fitzgerald – the 'iron man' of National Hunt racing, and former Grand National winning jockey, whose career has finally succumbed to injury.
Fitzgerald, who won the National in 1996 aboard Rough Quest, has not recovered from the neck and back injuries that he sustained in this year's race.
Having previously recovered from a broken neck in 2005 to resume his career, the 38-year-old has accepted medical advice and decided to put his health – and young family – first.
The most resilient of jockeys, with a big race record that was second-to-none, Fitzgerald will be forever associated with trainer Nicky Henderson for whom he rode the majority of his 1,000-plus career winners.
"His greatest attribute to us was that he wasn't just a jockey, he was a team player as far as we were concerned and a great mate. His input was enormous," said Henderson.
The jockey was also instrumental in helping Malton-born Tinkler fulfil his potential as one of the country's leading riders. "He's been a huge asset," said Tinkler. "I wouldn't be where I am today without Mick Fitz.
"He has taught me so much from when I joined Mr Henderson's as a 16-year-old. Not just on a racecourse, but schooling horses and preparing them to jump obstacles. Obviously what happens on the gallops, and schooling, translates into races. He's nothing left to prove."
It is unlikely that Tinkler will fill Fitzgerald's now empty riding boots as the new stable jockey.
Although he is expected to remain an integral part of the Henderson team, experience probably counts against Tinkler.
With legendary Irish owner JP McManus choosing sending many of his younger horses to Henderson rather than the yard of his retained trainer Jonjo O'Neill, it is possible that Tony McCoy – the 13-times champion jockey – will come in for many of the rides made available by Fitzgerald's enforced retirement.
It would be a natural fit. McCoy's services are retained by McManus, and as his own career winds down, he may choose to put the quality of horses before the number of races that he contests.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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