David Casey returns to rapturous applause aboard Long Dog© Photo Healy Racing
David Casey put the seal on an illustrious riding career by retiring on a winner as Long Dog justified long odds-on favouritism in the Ballygarry House Hotel Novice Hurdle.
The 1/6 favourite made all against just three rivals to complete a hat-trick in facile style.
The five-year-old gelding was in command from two out, and stretched clear to beat Collen Beag by nearly ten lengths.
Casey was given a guard of honour by his colleagues when entering the parade ring for his final ride, and was typically professional crossing the line in calm fashion.
Casey (39) rode a total of 770 winners in the UK and Ireland including two at the Cheltenham Festival - Fadoudal Du Cochet (Grand Annual Chase) and Rule Supreme (Royal & SunAlliance Chase) - two Hennessy Gold Cup's at Leopardstown on Rule Supreme and Kempes, the Thyestes Chase on three occasions plus many other big race successes.
Casey said, "I had a good partner, and he did everything right. He jumped and travelled, and was obviously the best horse in the race.
"I want to thank Rich and Sussanah Ricci as well as Willie and Ruby who kindly let me ride the horse."
Casey will continue to work at champion trainer Willie Mullins' Closutton yard taking up an assistant roll, and he will soon travel to Australia to overlook the Melbourne Cup preparation of Max Dynamite.
Mullins said, "David came to us when he was 17 so he knows our operation. He's seen it grow, he knows the way I think and the way everyone else in the yard thinks. He's going to be a huge help organising work in the morning, and riding work as he always is.
"Anytime in the past when I'm buying horses I usually send David to ride them. It's great to have someone of his calibre going to Australia with Max Dynamite, and the feedback that I will be able to get from him will be huge.
"David rode two French Champion Hurdle winners for me but perhaps my best memory is him winning on Mystical City in the Galway Hurdle. He was the first claimer ever to win the race, and his 3lb's made all the difference that day."
Tony McCoy said, "He lived with me in England when he came over 15 years ago and has had a great career as a jockey. He's also a proper good fellow as well which is more important.
"He appreciated the career he's had and feels lucky he can retire on his own terms."
(TW & AM)
