Michael McAlister
Northern Ireland-born jump jockey Michael ‘Badger’ McAlister was attached to Maurice Barnes’ stable for most of his career.
Northern Ireland-born jump jockey Michael ‘Badger’ McAlister was attached to Maurice Barnes’ stable for most of his career.
During his years in the saddle he had more than his fair share of falls and injuries. In 2013 he suffered an injury to his right knee, damaging the Anterior cruciate ligament, which required repair surgery. Following a period of physiotherapy in Ireland, he returned to England to begin a rehabilitation course at Oaksey House.
During his years in the saddle he had more than his fair share of falls and injuries. In 2013 he suffered an injury to his right knee, damaging the Anterior cruciate ligament, which required repair surgery. Following a period of physiotherapy in Ireland, he returned to England to begin a rehabilitation course at Oaksey House.
He rode a total of 97 winners, his best season being in 2006/07 with a score of 22. His last winner was Heart O Annandale, who landed a Sedgefield handicap hurdle on May 5, 2015.
He rode a total of 97 winners, his best season being in 2006/07 with a score of 22. His last winner was Heart O Annandale, who landed a Sedgefield handicap hurdle on May 5, 2015.
He hung up his boots in July of that year, aged 32 and returned to Glenarrif, County Antrim, where in addition to working on his father’s farm, he planned to train sheepdogs for competition and farm duties. During his time with Maurice Barnes he trained collie dogs from Ireland and looked to become more involved in that sphere following his retirement.
He hung up his boots in July of that year, aged 32 and returned to Glenarrif, County Antrim, where in addition to working on his father’s farm, he planned to train sheepdogs for competition and farm duties. During his time with Maurice Barnes he trained collie dogs from Ireland and looked to become more involved in that sphere following his retirement.