Daryl Jacob retired from the saddle with no regrets after bowing out in “perfect fashion” after his 31st and final Grade 1 victory on Saturday.
The 41-year-old, who has been plagued by injuries in recent months, announced the end of his 25-year career after leading Impaire Et Passe to success in Limerick’s Faugheen Novice Chase.
It was fitting that Jacob ended up in the dual green colors of owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, who have maintained his services for the past 11 years.
“It was the perfect way to end my career,” Jacob said. sky sports racing. “Everyone knew this would be my last year but I wanted to come back from injury in time for Christmas.
“I don’t think I could have had a better ride on Impaire Et Passe, a Grade 1 winner for Simon and Isaac. That was the one thing I wanted this year.
“It felt right to go back to Leopardstown where I had had so many good days. I wanted to get out there and do it my way.”
Jacob accepted Impaire Et Passe, his 31st and final Grade 1 winning ride.
Jacob’s career includes victories on the biggest stages, including the 2012 Grand National with Neptune Collonges, as well as numerous wins at places like Bristol De Mai and Sceau Royal.
When asked about the best horse he’s ever ridden, Jacob said, “I’ve had so many really good days that it’s hard to pick just one, but the Grand National is right up there on my resume.”
“It was very difficult for L’Ami Serge to win the French Champion Hurdle and for Bristol De Mai to win his second Betfair Chase when he beat Might Bite and Native River was a huge moment.
“I sired 31 Grade 1 winners, won an Irish Hennessy, won an English Hennessy on Diamond Harry, had Reve De Sivola win the Long Walk Hurdle, Sceau Royal won 15 races for me and a wonderful I was very lucky with Top Notch.
Jacob celebrates after winning the 2012 Grand National at Neptune Collonges.
“I never thought I could achieve what I have. I can honestly say I wasn’t the most natural rider because everyone knows I’m pretty tall. But one thing I did was put my heart and soul into it. It was poured out.
“I emptied the tank. I have no regrets at all. I gave everything to the game.
“I am confident that if you work hard and put your mind to it, you can achieve anything you want.”
