One of Ireland’s top jockey’s is set to retire after a 16-year career tonight

Tramore for the final farewell

Limerick man Andrew McNamara has brought forward his retirement to this evening after announcing on Thursday that he is quitting life in the saddle. The 32-year-old is a fifteen time Grade-One winner and it was expected his last ride would be on Sunday in the Waterford venue. But the jockey has no rides over the weekend and so his final time at the starting post was a winning one as he claimed the win on the Shark Hanlon-trained Most Honourable in the Midge Nolan Memorial Handicap Hurdle at 7.25pm. His most famous win came in the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2006 when he enjoyed a memorable success on Newmill for John Joseph Murphy. He was also the regular jockey for Hidden Cyclone and Beef or Salmon. It's understood that after he brings the curtain down on 16 year career tonight that he will begin life as a trainer and owner. McNamara also endured some serious injuries during his career, while he has also seen his cousin and brother,Robbie and JT suffer life changing injuries while on the track. https://twitter.com/RacingPost/status/631863702162145281 H/T SportingLife