Legendary jockey Mick Kinane is looking forward to getting back in the saddle for a good cause at Doncaster on Wednesday.
Kinane brought an illustrious 34-year riding career to an end in December 2009, the same year he partnered the brilliant Sea The Stars to win six Group One races in as many months including the Epsom Derby and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
The rider enjoyed incredible success on a worldwide scale, with the Melbourne Cup and the Belmont Stakes among the major international prizes he secured.
Kinane has made just one subsequent appearance in the saddle since his retirement, winning the Aintree Legends Charity Flat Race on American Trilogy on Grand National day earlier this year.
He is one of 16 riders competing at Doncaster, a race run to raise money for the Injured Jockeys Fund and the Northern Racing College student accommodation project.
“It should be good fun and I’m looking forward to the day,” said Kinane.
“It’s for a great cause. The Injured Jockeys’ Fund do great work and I’m more than happy to be able to help in whatever way I can.”
Kinane, who rides the Chris Dwyer-trained Patriotic, admits that while the event is all about raising money, he would love to be involved in the finish.
“You always want to be able to compete,” he said.
“That competitive edge never leaves you, you take it to the grave with you.
“Obviously it would be great to win it, but not everyone can and it should be good fun either way.”
Kinane will be pitting his wits against a number of other talented riders of years gone by including last year’s winner, American Julie Krone.
