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Kevin Manning: Derby and Guineas-winning jockey calls time on 39-year career

Kevin Manning won the 2008 Derby with New Approach, who also won an Irish Champion Stakes; Manning rode his first winner back in 1983 and has called time on a career after victory at Galway on Monday afternoon

New Approach and jockey Kevin Manning wins The Vodafone Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse
Image: New Approach and jockey Kevin Manning wins The Vodafone Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse

Derby-winning jockey Kevin Manning announced his retirement from the saddle after riding Vocal Studies to victory at Galway.

Manning, 55, has ridden throughout most of his illustrious career for legendary trainer Jim Bolger, who is also his father-in-law.

Together the pair have won a huge haul of major races across Ireland, the United Kingdom and France, as well as a Hong Kong Cup with Alexander Goldrun.

Poetic Flare is clear of his St James's Palace Stakes rivals
Image: Poetic Flare is clear of his St James's Palace Stakes rivals

Perhaps Manning's most famous success came in the 2008 Derby at Epsom on New Approach, a horse on whom he also won an Irish Champion Stakes and a Dewhurst.

Manning and Bolger won the latter contest a further four times with Teofilo, Intense Focus, Parish Hall and Dawn Approach in a golden spell between 2006 and 2012.

Upon dismounting having won the Corrib Food Products Maiden, Manning said: "I've had a great career, I can't complain, things have gone well and I've enjoyed some great days.

Kevin Manning riding Mac Swiney win The Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster
Image: Kevin Manning riding Mac Swiney win The Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster

"I have been very lucky to ride some very good horses along the way and owe Jim and Jackie (Bolger) everything.

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"I was suspended for this weekend, which is the end of the grass season, and I had some good rides today and said to myself it is time to call it quits if one of these wins."

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