BARRY Geraghty’s decision to retire from the saddle over the weekend was a sad development for racing. Geraghty has always had that aura of being one of the good guys, someone who had time for everyone but a fierce competitor when it came down to business.

Riddled by injuries over the last four years, his determination to come back from a leg break before last season tells you a lot about his competitive instinct - this sport wasn’t going to retire him.