Rising star calls it quits after just seven months
Luca Morgan, the reigning champion conditional jockey, has announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 22. Morgan, who was crowned the best rookie jumps jockey in the country last April, cited the daily struggle with weight management as the reason for his decision.
'A war with the scales'
Morgan took to Twitter to share the news, stating, "Today, my dream since I was very small and my career since I was 16 comes to an end. It's been an amazing journey that I've loved every second of. I've had a war with the scales since I started and it's time to do what's right for me and my body."
A successful career cut short
Despite his young age, Morgan had already achieved significant success in his career. He rode 91 winners from 606 career rides, earning £934,206 in prize money. His most notable victory came in January when he won a Listed race on Fiercely Proud at Cheltenham. Morgan's retirement comes as a surprise, as he had only returned to racing at the end of last month after taking a summer break.
The toll of constant dieting
The pressures of maintaining a specific weight for racing can take a toll on jockeys, both physically and mentally. Morgan's decision to retire highlights the challenges faced by riders in the industry. Winning the champion conditional title is often seen as a stepping stone to further success, but Morgan chose to prioritize his well-being over his career.
A light-hearted moment
Despite the difficulties he faced, Morgan maintained a sense of humor. He jokingly referred to himself as a "bloody crook" after falling off a horse right before the finish line in a race at Uttoxeter last July.
Morgan's retirement marks the end of a promising career, but his decision to prioritize his health serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by jockeys in the competitive world of horse racing.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/heartbreak-as-16000-is-lost-in-final-fence-blunder/
