 | MICK FITZGERALD Date of birth: 10 May 1970 Place of birth: Co Cork Grand National: Won 1996 Rough Quest Cheltenham Gold Cup: Won 1999 See More Business |
His precision timing has been one of the memorable features of British racing during the last 15 or so years.
From Rough Quest's Grand National victory to minor successes around much less grand tracks, Mick Fitzgerald is renowned for knowing what to do, and when to do it.
But in the opening weeks of 2007, the 36-year-old Irishman can be forgiven for some uncharacteristic dithering.
Having announced plans to retire at this year's Aintree Grand National Festival in April, he's been forced to embark on something of a rethink.
Not only is his form the envy of younger rivals, but his principal stable, that of trainer Nicky Henderson, is - as they say - firing on all cylinders.
And, significantly for Fitzgerald, it's not so much the top stable's old stalwarts that are enjoying a purple patch, but the younger brigade, all with years in front of them.
There are no better examples than Afsoun, aged five and rated a lively Champion Hurdle outsider, and Amaretto Rose (six), one of the favourites for the Cheltenham Festival's Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
| It's going to be very tough to walk away |
And with four or five others looking highly promising, the jockey, the fifth most successful jumps rider ever, is in the horns of a dilemma. Asked about his impending retirement, he replied: "Who knows? Nicky has such talent coming through now, so it's going to be very tough to walk away.
"It's a long time between now and April, and never say never."
The idea is for Fitzgerald to be director of an exclusive new racing and sports club, but I suspect that he will keep going as a jockey, at least for the time being.
Apart from what sounds like a terrific job, he has confided to friends that there is no real reason for him to call it a day.
Having recovered remarkably well for a series of nasty injuries, notably a broken neck in 2005, he says that he has never felt so good.
And what good news it will be for jump racing if he does have a change of mind.
With his pronounced Irish accent, colourful turn of phrase and breathless chat, Mick Fitzgerald has become of the most popular and distinctive figures in the sport, not only as a jockey but as a pundit too.
He has been able to connect with the racing industry and public, and when he does go, he will leave a yawning gap.
One day it will be time to make that final manoeuvre, Mick, but not at the moment.
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