Michael Hammond
On Tuesday, January 2, 1990, Michael Hammond, a leading northern jockey, announced his retirement from the saddle.
On Tuesday, January 2, 1990, Michael Hammond, a leading northern jockey, announced his retirement from the saddle.
He explained: 'The buzz has gone and there are other things I want to do with my life. I know in my own mind it's the right time to pack up. I am no longer experiencing the same kick from riding winners.'
He explained: 'The buzz has gone and there are other things I want to do with my life. I know in my own mind it's the right time to pack up. I am no longer experiencing the same kick from riding winners.'
Known as Micky, also also worked as assistant trainer to George Moore, staying at the yard until the end of 1990 when he turned to training.
Known as Micky, also also worked as assistant trainer to George Moore, staying at the yard until the end of 1990 when he turned to training.
The son of a bricklayer, Micky had ridden 35 winners in the first half of the season, and was lying sixth in the jockeys' championship. Among his northern colleagues, only Chris Grant and Mark Dwyer had ridden more.
The son of a bricklayer, Micky had ridden 35 winners in the first half of the season, and was lying sixth in the jockeys' championship. Among his northern colleagues, only Chris Grant and Mark Dwyer had ridden more.
Micky, having served his apprenticeship with Tom Jones and Hugh O'Neill, had worked for George Moore at Middleham for 4 and a half years.
Micky, having served his apprenticeship with Tom Jones and Hugh O'Neill, had worked for George Moore at Middleham for 4 and a half years.
He and Moore had won the 1986 Timeform Hurdle with Tingle Bell and, in 1988, lifted the Glenlivet and Victor Ludorum Hurdle with Royal Illusion.
He and Moore had won the 1986 Timeform Hurdle with Tingle Bell and, in 1988, lifted the Glenlivet and Victor Ludorum Hurdle with Royal Illusion.
That same season, riding for trainer Jumbo Wilkinson, he won the Scottish Grand National on Hardy Lad.
That same season, riding for trainer Jumbo Wilkinson, he won the Scottish Grand National on Hardy Lad.
Born in Guildford on 25 September, 1962, his first winner had been Exelsior at Windsor, 1982: his last win came on Colombiere at Catterick on December 30 1989.
Born in Guildford on 25 September, 1962, his first winner had been Exelsior at Windsor, 1982: his last win came on Colombiere at Catterick on December 30 1989.
Michael Hammond
Michael Hammond
Big winners:
Big winners:
1986: Scottish Grand National – Hardy Lad
1986: Scottish Grand National – Hardy Lad
1986: Free Handicap Hurdle – Tingle Bell
1986: Free Handicap Hurdle – Tingle Bell
1988: Victor Ludorum Hurdle – Royal Illusion
1988: Victor Ludorum Hurdle – Royal Illusion