Mick Fitzgerald's retirement on Thursday came as no surprise to Steve Smith Eccles, a former stable jockey at the Nicky Henderson yard.

"I thought he was a very brave man to carry on the time before when he had that serious neck injury," he said.

"It's like going to the edge of the world, teetering on the brink and coming back. Then he's gone and done it again.

"I was surprised when he carried on riding the first time and not surprised whatsoever that's he packed in this time.

"You could see it coming from a mile off and he's been laying down his foundations for the future, but what a fantastic guy he's been for the sport.

"He's a very good talker and a good ambassador. Hopefully he'll do well out of the sport in the future too. He's been good for racing and hopefully it will repay him."

Smith Eccles singled out Fitzgerald's ride on Rough Quest in the 1996 Grand National as his favourite memory of the jockey

"I think the ride he gave Rough Quest in the Grand National was excellent," Smith Eccles added.

"He got him jumping, he was in the right place at the right time and rode the race well."

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