MICHAEL HOURIGAN has announced retirement at the end of a glittering, 50-year career in horse-racing.
The Irish trainer and Limerick-native will hand in his license and bring the curtain down on a tenure that started way back in 1973.
In that time, he won three Irish Gold Cups and the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in 1995.
Explaining his decision to retire, the 77-year-old said: “It’s time.
“I’ve been working with horses since I was 14-years-old and I am 77 now.
“Now is the right time and I’m happy I’m going out on my own terms,
“I’m not being pushed out.”
The Limerick-native saddled his first winner in his native county in 1979, with Ramrajya.
His best season came in 2003/04, during which he claimed an astonishing 58 Irish National Hunt winners.
He revealed that his fondest memories came through Dorans Pride and Beef Or Salmon.
The former collected six Grade One victories, including the 1995 Stayers’ Hurdle with JP Broderick on board.
Beef Or Salmon won three Irish Gold Cups with Timmy Murphy (2003), Paul Carberry (2006), and Andrew McNamara (2007).
Hourigan explained: “Dorans Pride and Beef Or Salmon would be the highlight, but there were plenty of good horses in between too.
“I really couldn’t pick between them for the best moment.”
The Patrickswell man’s retirement prompted tributes aplenty on social media.
Andrew McNamara, the jockey who won the 2007 Irish Gold Cup with Beef Or Salmon, was amongst those to offer congratulations.
He said: “Well done to Michael Hourigan on a fantastic career, brilliant trainer.
“So good to ride for.
“Had a lovely time working with him for a couple years and got to ride some super horses such as Beef Or Salmon, Hi Cloy, Church Island, A New Story etc”
Leopardstown Race Course posted: “Wishing Michael Hourigan a happy and well deserved retirement.
“Michael enjoyed a fantastic career, with many great wins in Leopardstown, most notably with six-time Grade 1 winner Dorans Pride and three-time Irish Gold Cup champion Beef or Salmon.”
Ballinrobe Races said: “After over 50 years in racing, we extend our best wishes to trainer Michael Hourigan on his retirement.
“Starting his training career in 1973, Michael enjoyed a legendary career, with stable stars Dorans Pride and Beef Or Salmon leading the way.
“A special moment in history—Dorans Pride had his first win right here at Ballinrobe on April 19, 1993.
“Thank you, Michael, for the incredible memories and contributions to racing. Wishing you all the best from all the team at Ballinrobe.”
