Jockey John Carroll retires
Veteran jockey John Carroll has decided to hang up his saddle after a career spanning a quarter of a century.
Carroll, 41, is best remembered for his partnership with retired Cockerham trainer Jack Berry, for whom his numerous winners included star sprinters Paris House and Mind Games.
He won the Temple and Palace House Stakes on both horses in the 1990s, but Carroll’s sole Group One success came on 25-1 shot Invincible Spirit for John Dunlop in the 2002 Stanley Leisure Sprint Cup at Haydock.
He was also part of the Godolphin team and was one of the first British jockeys to ride in Dubai. His biggest triumph over there came on Infinite Spirit in the 2002 UAE 1000 Guineas.
“His body has cried enough – his weight has been a major factor in his decision,” said his agent Tony Hind.
“His weight had always been good at 8st 4lb and 8st 5lb, but it’s been very difficult for him this year.”
Carroll began his career as an apprentice with the late Gordon Richards for three years before joining Berry.
His first winner was on Helvic at Pontefract in August 1981 and his last on the Kevin Ryan-trained Fangorn Forest at Beverley last Saturday.
