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Grand National winner rider Niall Madden ended his cycling career in Punchestown on New Year’s Eve.
Madden, affectionately known as ‘Slippers’, led Martin Brassil-trained Numbersixvalverde to win the spectacular Aintree in 2006.
His other notable victories include the 2005 Galway Hurdle aboard Noel Meade’s More Rainbows, the 2006 Christmas Hurdle on Jazz Messenger and the 2010 Galmoy Hurdle with former Cheltenham Gold Cup War Of Attrition hero, trained by Mouse Morris.
The latest Madden winner came aboard Philip Dempsey’s The Long Mile at the Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase in Limerick on Monday, a horse owned by JP McManus, with whom Madden enjoyed a long association.
The jockey hung up his boots for the last time after finishing on the field in the Tote Supporting Punchestown 3-YO Maiden Hurdle in Rich Belief.
Madden said: “I’ve had a great race and I had my first race here in 2001. It was nice to finish here at my local track.
“The Grand National was obviously the highlight, and I rode two Grade One winners: the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Jazz Messenger and the two-mile chase at Leopardstown over Christmas at Nickname.
“I’d like to thank all the owners and coaches who have supported me over the years, and obviously Mom and Dad, and Aine (O’Connor, fiancee). Unfortunately, they can’t be here today, but I’m delighted to go on my own terms.
“I don’t have big plans, although there are some paths I’d like to travel. Nothing is set in stone, and I’m open to all job offers.”
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