A series of major injuries have forced Mick Fitzgerald to retire from the saddle at the age of 38? As he pulls down the curtain on a great career, we want your views on where he ranks in terms of the top jump jockeys? And what about his greatest rides? Let us know your thoughts on this or any racing subject by dropping us a line at editorial@sportinglife.com

Run-of-the-mill rather than great

Fitzgerald was a decent run of the mill jockey on his day especially when getting the good rides. He did however sometimes have trouble staying in the saddle at times.....which was evident from so many of the injuries he sustained. His best ride was Rough Quest in the National though you would probably have said that about most riders on that special horse that day. No disrespect but you could not class him as a great or in the same breath as the likes of McCoy, Dunwoody, Walsh, Francome.... but nevertheless he had his moments and lets hope he enjoys a long healthy retirement and best wishes to him.

CB

Retirement a wise move

You have wisely accepted what to do for the best. A true great in the sport of racing, and I hope we see you remaining close to the sport and maybe a continued association with Nicky Henderson. Good luck for thr future 'Fitz'.

Mark Wood

Impossible to replace

Thank you for the best 10 years riding for the Henderson yard . The National Hunt season at Newbury Racecourse will never be the same again. Good luck Mick in all you do in your retirement.

Tim Murphy (Newbury)

The right decision, the right timing

Delighted that Mick has got out in one piece - one is always fearful the longer the jump jockeys go on that they will be crippled.Basically,as Mick has been known to say, always a delight to hear his views when on the box - long may he continue in that vein.

Ray Manning

Fitzgerald a trainer in the making?

What makes everyone think that Mick is going to be a "pundit"? With his experience with Nicky Henderson, surely he would be a great trainer.

Alan Mckie

Mick, you were the best!

Sad to see Mick retire - was top jockey at my favourite track Kempton and was a profitable for me to follow. Bacchanal, Fondmort,See More , Call Equiname and Rough Quest were just a few great rides he gave great horses

Happy Retirement Mick Fitz - You were the best in my eyes !!

Steve Slough

See you on the goggle box, Mick!

Mick's decision to hang up his boots hardly comes as a surprise as he had been close to the decision before his serious injury in the Grand National this year. What a great guy! Maybe not the most stylish pilot ever seen in a finish but none was more committed. With Fitz on board, you always got a run for your money. And talking through my pocket as it was my best betting day ever, his ride on Rough Quest in the National was masterful horsemanship. Of course, his partner has probably never let him live down his post-race comment that the experience 'was better than sex'. So who will snap up his services now as a TV racing pundit? If anyone was perfect for the job, the affable Corkman surely is. It's characters like Mick who make National Hunt racing such a humanly rich experience. Sorry, all you flat racing professionals, you've got no one of even half his stature. Look forward to seeing you on the goggle box, Mick, come Cheltenham next March!

Mike, North Somerset

McCoy praise says it all

Tony McCoy, no less, has led the tributes in the wake of the sad news that Mick 'Fitz' is to retire from the saddle, and that really says it all. The most successful jump jockey of all time speaks glowingly regarding Mick's position of pre-eminence in the weighing room, and is happy to confirm that his respected friend will be sorely missed. I saw Mick at Goodwood last week on Sussex day, and many people were asking about his well-being. Cheerfully, he thanked everyone who enquired after his health, and if he knew then of the sadness to come, it certainly didn't show. He'll be remembered as a brilliant jockey, with a a big-race temperament and mentality, and a very consistent pilot. The combination of Henderson/Fitzgerald is one now for folklore, and all of us who have marvelled (and profited) from it down the years will be a little sadder today. Thanks so much, Mick, for all the wonderful memories. Media success now surely awaits a man who will arguably best be remembered by non-racing folk certainly for his immediate post-race summing up of what it meant to triumph in the world's greatest steeplechase, some dozen years ago. I'm not sure I agree with Mick's conclusion, but no-one can ever deny the passion and sheer quality he exuded when race-riding; nor the dignity and class he's brought to a sport that as we know, on occasion, can suffer from calamitous issues regarding its image. One of the very best is no more, not in the saddle at least - for he's right up there with the Dunwoodys and Scudamores of this world, make no mistake. Thanks a million, Mick, and good luck with whatever awaits.

Alan Firkins

Fitzgerald one of the best

One of the best jump jockeys, gave his all and a sad loss to the sport and mostly to Nicky Henderson's stable where he'll be sorely missed. I'm sure he'll remain in the sport in some capacity,whatever that might be Fitz will be successful, so whatever he does good luck.

Joe Myers

High praise for a top jock

Mick Fitzgerald was one of the true great jump jockeys , always gave his horses a great ride , especially Fondmort, Punjabi, Call Equiname and many others , have a great retirement Mick , you were a true gentleman and a fantastic jockey.

Vince Walker, Birmingham

Fitzgerald a real character

One of racing greatest characters - He always told you exactly how he saw things. Hope now he turns out to be the racing's best pundit for many years to come.

Eric (Ireland)

A true star in the saddle

Micky Fitz - What is there to say? He did most of his talking in the saddle and could always be relied upon to get a horse to give its best and, in a tight finish, there were few his equal. When riding for Nicky Henderson, the combination was regularly irresistible and often successful. Many an ale has been quaffed at the bookie's expense as a result! I wish him all the best and a long and successful career as a racing pundit. I, for one, will listen very carefully to what he has to say. Race riding's loss is racing punditry's gain ! Good Luck!

Natnatnoise

Thanks for the memories

Mick has given so much enjoyment in one of the most dangerous of sports. His partnership with Mr Henderson produced some wonderful horses that always had the best of assistance from the saddle. I'm sure Mick is going to be just as much a hit giving his views and tips on TV. Well done Mick and thanks.

Gary Baxter

Mick a true gent

A real gentleman who always gave 100%. He will be sadly missed.

Rob Turnbull

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