Cheltenham Jockey Adrian Heskin Retires

Adrian Heskin was hailed as racing's biggest stars

A record-breaking Cheltenham Festival jockey has unexpectedly announced his retirement at 32, nearly a year after parting ways with a millionaire owner. Adrian Heskin was hailed as racing's "next big thing" after becoming the youngest ever Festival winner by guiding A New Story to victory in the 2010 Cross Country at age 17. This achievement propelled the Irishman into the spotlight, leading to further major wins and a partnership with prominent owner Max McNeill.

During their fruitful collaboration, the pair secured significant victories, including the 2017 Sefton Novices' Hurdle at the Aintree Grand National meeting on The Worlds End, which earned over £56,000. They also celebrated another Grade 1 triumph when the same Tom George-trained horse won the £57,000 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot in December 2019.

However, the duo parted ways about a year ago, with McNeill citing it as a "financial decision." Over his 15-year career, Heskin amassed 432 wins and earned over £1.3 million from rides in Britain alone in the past five years. His notable victories include the 2010 bet365 Gold Cup with Michael Hourigan's Church Island and his first Grade 1 success on Martello Tower in the 2015 Albert Bartlett, a horse owned and trained by Willie Mullins' sister-in-law, Mags.

Heskin made the announcement on X, where punters expressed that it was "sad to hear." In his heartfelt message, the jockey wrote, "After 15 years of race-riding I've decided to call an end to my career. I'm very proud of my career and achieved far more than I could have imagined as a kid. I rode for the best of trainers on both sides of the Irish Sea and some fantastic owners along the way. Of course, some amazing horses too. My love for horses is stronger than ever and I owe everything I have to them. Here's to the future."

McNeill also wished Heskin well in a post from his McNeill Family X account, stating, "Congratulations to Adrian on an excellent career in the saddle. We had some great times together including two Grade 1 victories with The Worlds End and many other brilliant days. Adrian is an excellent horseman and he has a very bright future ahead and we wish him all the best!"

After his split from the McNeills, Heskin found it challenging to secure rides. His last Graded victory came at Limerick last December when he won aboard Mullins' Hauturiere by 35 lengths.

More reading

CHELTENHAM JOCKEY LAUREN KEEN-HAWKINS IN CRITICAL CONDITION FOLLOWING FALL

The 22-year-old was unseated from her horse at Worcester
CHELTENHAM JOCKEY LAUREN KEEN-HAWKINS IN CRITICAL CONDITION FOLLOWING FALL News

Guy Lavender Appointed CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse

Lavender joins Cheltenham Racecourse from Marylebone Cricket Club
Guy Lavender Appointed CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse News

Cheltenham Legend Istabraq Passes Away at 32

J.P. McManus announced the news on Thursday morning
Cheltenham Legend Istabraq Passes Away at 32 News

Mullins Sells Cheltemham Hopeful, What Path

What Path is one of three horses sold
Mullins Sells Cheltemham Hopeful, What Path News

Save 40% on Cheltenham Festival 2025 Hospitality

Earlybird offer gears fans up for 2025
Save 40% on Cheltenham Festival 2025 Hospitality News

10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

Here are ten interesting facts about the Cheltenham Festival that you might not know.
News

10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

Here are ten interesting facts about the Cheltenham Festival that you might not know.
News

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL TO INTRODUCE SAFER PADDED HURDLES NEXT SEASON

Innovative 'padded' obstacles introduced!
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL TO INTRODUCE SAFER PADDED HURDLES NEXT SEASON News

Two-Time Cheltenham Winner Corach Rambler Retires

Corach Rambler also boasts a stellar record at the Cheltenham Festival
Two-Time Cheltenham Winner and 2023 Grand National Champion Corach Rambler Retires News

Racing Community Mourn the Death of Native Upmanship

Arthur Moore leads tributes to Cheltenham star
Racing Community Mourn the Death of Native Upmanship News

Cheltenham-Winning Trainer Seeks High Court Review Amid Suspension Delay

The case revolves around Firstman, a horse trained by Martin that tested positive for lidocaine
News

EXPLORING THE UNIQUE COURSES OF THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

A look at the top 3 courses of the iconic festival
Cheltenham Racecourse News

ITV Wins BAFTA for 2023 Cheltenham Broadcasting

This marked ITV Racing's second Bafta win
News

Cheltenham Jockey Adrian Heskin Retires

Adrian Heskin was hailed as racing's biggest stars
Record-winning Cheltenham Jockey Makes Shock Retirement Announcement News

Cheltenham Fans Eye Up 2025 Ante-Post Odds

The 2025 Cheltenham Festival will commence on Tuesday, March 11
Cheltenham Festival 2025: Racing Fans Eye Up Early Ante-Post Odds News

Cheltenham Festival Winner Sire Du Berlais Fatally Injured

The horse was withdrawn during the Punchestown's Stayers Hurdle
Sire Du Berlais Fatally Injured at Punchestown News

TEAPHOO ON TRACK FOR CHELTENHAM-PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL DOUBLE

He is the favourite to achieve what no horse has since Anzum
Cheltenham, Cheltenham Festival, Teaphoo News

Festival-winning Trainer, Webber, Announces Retirement

Webber, aged 65, plans to race his final runners in Britain next month
Cheltenham Festival-winning Trainer, Webber, Announces Retirement News

Tributes Paid to Cheltenham Festival Superstar Shishkin as Henderson Announces his Death

Shishin News

Horse Racing Betting Tips Explained

Whether you're just getting started with horse racing bets or you're on the hunt for some solid tipster advice, you're in the right spot!
Horse Racing Betting Tips News