Former champion jockey who won over Grand National fences forced to retire aged 35 launches surprising new career

SportHorse Racing File photo dated 02-02-2022 of Henry Brooke, who leaves racing with “no regrets” and “amazing memories” after being forced into retirement. Issue date: Friday July 17, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read Mike Egerton/PA Wire. Credit: PA A FORMER champion jockey who won over the Grand National fences has been forced to retire aged 35. Henry Brooke, who was champion conditional and a Grade 1-winning rider in his pomp, is launching a ‘VIP toilets’ business. Jockey Henry Brooke, a former champion conditional, has launched a surprising new career after being forced to retire from racing Credit: Getty The former rider suffered a litany of injuries in his 18-year career and it was recurring problems with his neck that led him to call it quits. He broke his leg in a fall at Perth last September too but the former Becher Chase and Grand Sefton winner at Aintree said he had ‘no regrets’ over his time in the saddle. Brooke, whose first winner came at Market Rasen in 2010, claimed Newcastle’s Eider Chase twice and Wetherby’s Boxing Day feature the Rowland Meyrick on three occasions. He memorably downed Nicky Henderson’s 2-13 fav Buveur D’Air in the 2019 Fighting Fifth aboard 16-1 outsider Cornerstone Lad. Brooke’s earnings over jumps went into the millions but he is hoping to feel flush in his new career in lavatories. Explaining his new venture, Brooke said: “They are VIP toilet trailers and I do have portaloos as well but that’s mainly what I’m doing at present to keep my head above water. “Hopefully it will go really well. “Nothing is as hard work as getting plummeted into the ground at 40mph so I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes.” Most read in Horse Racing Looking back on his career, Brooke added: “I’ve met some pretty amazing people, worked with some great people and ridden for some brilliant trainers and owners. I’ve been a lucky lad. “I’ve given my family some amazing memories and my little kids were old enough to go and watch me race when I was riding. “I had a couple of winners over the Grand National fences which is always special and the first time I won over them on Highland Lodge they were proper fences. “I was a bit unlucky with injuries but that’s just a part of everyday life and people get injured during all sorts of different careers. “I’ve had an absolutely cracking career and have no regrets whatsoever. “I’m delighted now to have the next chapter of my life ahead of me. “Hopefully I’m not halfway through my life yet and there’s more great things to come.” FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now