Record-breaking Grand National jockey-turned-politician steps out of retirement to race again

SportHorse Racing CA0JG1 NINA CARBERRY JOCKEY CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE CHELTENHAM ENGLAND 13 March 2012 Credit: Alamy RECORD-BREAKING Grand National jockey-turned-politician Nina Carberry is stepping out of retirement to race again. The 42-year-old multiple Cheltenham Festival-winning rider will don silks and pick up her saddle once more for a Pat Smullen charity race on August 29. Heads Onthe Ground and jockey Nina Carberry after winning the Sporting Index Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham in 2007 Credit: PA:Press Association A trailblazing jockey, Carberry made the move into politics post-retirement… but is returning for a special one-off ride at the Curragh this month Credit: PA Carberry was one of the biggest names in racing in her pomp. She became the first woman jumps jockey to win a Grade 1 race in Britain or Ireland with victory on Leading Run in the 2006 Champion Bumper at the Punchestown Festival. She won the Irish Grand National aboard Organisedconfusion in 2011 but could never manage better than seventh in six attempts at the world’s most famous race. Carberry won on her first race back since becoming a mum in 2017 but called it quits for good in April 2018. Since then she has gone onto become a Member of the European Parliament – but has now found the allure of racing too strong to turn down. Carberry will join 18 others in the 1m4f race which honours the memory of late legendary jockey Smullen, who died from pancreatic cancer aged just 43 in 2020. Every jockey taking part in the contest will do so in memory of a family member or friend they lost to cancer – or to support someone living with cancer. The Curragh raceday and associated bike ride have raised more than £1million for Cancer Trials Ireland since 2019. Most read in Horse Racing Smullen’s widow Frances said: “The support we continue to see for this day is simply amazing. “All the charity riders and cyclists who dedicate their time and train so hard for such an important cause is really heartwarming. “Their incredible effort, courage, and spirit is so special to my family and I, and together you are continuing Pat’s legacy by helping Cancer Trials Ireland bring real hope to families facing this disease.” Tote will also make a guaranteed €1,000 donation – with that figure set to grow if a number of €250 charity bets manage to land a winner. 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