Jockey retires for second time to qualify for Doncaster Leger ‘Legends’ race

11 September 2023 , 13:14

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Will Kennedy: who has had to retire again (Image: Maureen McLean/REX/Shutterstock)

A popular jump jockey who quit the saddle in April to bring the curtain down on a 25-year career has had to ‘retire’ a second time.

Will Kennedy, 41, hung up his boots at the end of last season having ridden more than 450 winners.

At his peak he was champion conditional rider in 2005/6 and rode as first jockey to Donald McCain, but partnered only two winners in the latest campaign.

As an ex-jockey he was lined up to ride in the Leger Legends Stakes at Doncaster on Sunday, an annual feature of the St Leger meeting in which former professional riders from both the Flat and jumps compete against each other.

Former winners of the race include Sir AP McCoy and Joseph O'Brien while Sammy Jo Bell has won it twice.

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Among this year’s starry line-up are other former stalwarts of the jumps Davy Russell, Tom Scudamore, Richard Johnson and Robbie Power while Kieren Fallon and Megan Nicholls, who now works for ITV Racing. are among the names from the Flat.

Trainer Jamie Osborne is making a return to the saddle for the first time since 1999 for

Kennedy was looking forward to riding last-time-out winner Kimifive for trainer Ian Williams until he got an email from Weatherbys, which oversees declarations.

“Just to let you know that your current jump’s licence is actually still live,” it said. “I don’t think we ever received a relinquish request and you won’t be able to ride in the legends race with it still active.”

Kennedy said: “I stopped riding months ago but I never actually relinquished my licence. I just said I was giving up.

“My licence didn’t run out until the end of October and the Legends race is on Sunday. To qualify I had to relinquish my licence. So I am now officially retired - again.”

Jon Lees