Jockey Aidan Macdonald who returned to ride after stroke announces retirement

02 February 2023 , 11:40

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Aidan MacDonald: announced his retirement after coming back from a stroke (Image: Aidan MacDonald)

Jump jockey Aidan Macdonald, who recovered from a life-threatening stroke to resume his riding career, has announced he is quitting the saddle for good.

The 23-year-old conditional will have his final ride at Catterick on Friday when he rides Perfect Man for his boss Micky Hammond.

Macdonald, who has ridden three winners, admitted “things just haven’t been the same since I’ve come back from injury”.

Macdonald spent 18 months out of action after he fell ill in his car in Middleham, Yorkshire, in April 2021, two weeks after being discharged from hospital following a fall.

He spent four weeks in hospital, where for ten days he had no feeling in his left arm and left leg. He was advised by doctors to find another job.

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Yet he embarked on an intense period of rehabilitation and passed rigorous tests to secure his licence to ride again from the BHA.

He was able to return to action at Sedgefield in September last year but has only had three more rides without being able to add to his score.

Announcing his decision he tweeted: “After a few weeks of thinking I have decided to call it a day on my riding career. I will have my final ride at Catterick on Friday.

"I would like to take the chance to thank my boss Micky Hammond for all my opportunities over the last few years and to any other trainer who has kindly put me up.

"I've been very lucky to ride three winners in my time as a jockey but things just haven't been the same since I've come back from injury.

“I can't thank the IJF and jockey coach Russ Kennemore enough for helping me get back riding and back to race fitness and also my very supportive family and friends."

Hammond responded: "I think to get back to race riding at all after what you have been through has been phenomenal. a credit to yourself and all those around you. Well done. As one door closes another one opens."

Jon Lees