POINT-TO-POINT
A popular jockey retires from the saddle on a high, while one horse jumps to a surprise win
TORRINGTON FARMERS
8 June
Torrington Farmers, Umberleigh, Devon
DARREN EDWARDS made his final two rides winning ones as he retired from the saddle following a long and illustrious career, which has seen him notch 330 point-to-point and 30 under-Rules victories.
Dorrells Pierji made it five wins in six weeks when securing the mixed open for trainer Dean Summersby and owners Banks, Dodd, Stevenson and Gibson.
“He’s remarkable and a horse with lots of ability, and Dean has worked miracles with him,” said Darren of this 11-year-old by Coastal Path.
“I got off him at a point in February and told Dean he should sell him as he’s a chronic bleeder. Dean gave him two months off to let the ground quicken up, now trains him from the field, and we put a hood on him. The combination of those things have proved to be the making of him.”
Darren’s other win came in the conditions (level three) with John Gardener and Torben Hughes’ Lakota Warrior, also trained by Dean.
“He was the best horse in the race and is classy on his day, but can be a bit soft when push comes to shove,” explained Darren.
“A GREAT CAREER”
SPEAKING of his retirement, Darren, who works full-time as a partner at property consultants Fisher German, said he decided at the start of this season that it would be his last in the saddle.
“I always said to myself I’d finish by the time I was 40 and I’m 40 later this year. Dean is looking to get his licence out to run under Rules, which would mean I’d have fewer rides in the future,” he explained.
“I sit at a desk five days a week, s
