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LETTERS
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Letters to the fan club regarding Leighton's retirement.
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Leighton Aspell has plied his trade in what is correctly understood to been the Golden age of National Hunt jockeys. For him to have been recognised as a top ten rider in the era of McCoy, Walsh and Fitzgerald is tribute in itself. To have done so without the backing of a numerically significent yard is an outstanding achievement. Furthermore, quietly and without fanfare or self aggrandizement. His talent in the saddle combined with his ability to appraise honestly the merits of the horses he rode led to his proving an invaluable asset to Nick Gifford, Lucy Wadham, Pat Murphy and Oliver Sherwood, all of whom will miss him greatly. From a media standpoint, Leighton has most often preferred to keep his own counsel, giving generously of his his time when asked, but never thrusting forth with his own agenda. It is a crying shame that he retires now at the peak of his powers, but his talent as a horseman, his sharp mind and an apparent sence of loyalty and commitment should ensure success in any chosen field. I can only wish him and his family all the very best for the future" - Nick Luck, Channel 4 Racing.
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It's certainly very sad that Leighton has retired and has come as a massive bolt out of the blue for me.
During Leighton's time riding for me I always found him a joy to work with. Not only is he a natural horseman but he gets on well with all the staff and owners. He has always been extremely loyal and honest when it comes to telling me about the horses.
While I respect his decision, I would only be too delighted to have ride for me again should he change his mind. However, if he sticks to his decision then I would like to wish all the best for the future" - Oliver Sherwood:
I am very saddned and shocked by Leighton's decision. He is the finest horseman riding to-day and a exellant jockey. It was a real joy to watch him schooling young horses no one is better, and all of us at Glebe House Stables will miss his imput. We wish the very best of luck in the future.
p.s A real gentleman as well out of the saddle." - Pat Murphy.
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Sorry to hear of Leighton's retirement, but good luck for the future.
I was lucky enough to own a third share in a horse with my sister and uncle. It was trained by George Knight. Leighton rode him twice, 11 Nov 97 Ludlow finished second. and 13th Nov 97 at Taunton - WON, both rides were great.
The horses is Little Hooligan and we still have him at home aged 16.
Our many sincere thanks to Leighton." - Peter Dinford, Racehorse owner.
I have long been a big fan of Leighton so when I was invited to be an Honorary member of the fan club I was tickled pink - Mrs C and I cracked open a bottle of warm Prosecco and drank a few toasts.Along with his legion of fans, I am very sad we won't be shouting 'C'mon Leighton any more - but on the other hand it is good news that his guardian angel has called time and he can move on to the next phase of his career unscathed and in full possession of his marbles. Good luck Leighton. - Robert Cooper, Attheraces.
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I have been a huge fan of Leighton since he won on Burnt Out in the Aintree bumper some years ago. Iam saddened he has retired and will miss him myself" - Tanya Stevenson, Channel 4 Racing.
Leighton joined us on the recommendation of his first emploer Rg Hollinshead, He is responsible for much of the schooling at Findon. It hit us like a bombshell, and I really do hope he'll change his mind. Apart from being a very fine jockey, his feedback is invaluable." -Nick Gifford Trainer.
His departure would leave a massive gap at the yard. Leighton is riding as well as ever and while the decision is one that only he can make, I do hope he'll reconsider after a couple of weeks away". -Lucy Wadham-Trainer:
Stunning and disappointing new emerged in July of Leighton's retirement from riding. Those that had not benefitted from the enleightonment will not realise quite what a void this will leave in the riding ranks, especially in the South-East. Fingers crossed that somewhere along the way, a change of heart will be had by the great man. - uk-jumping.com
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THE RACING POST_
Leighton Aspell, a consistently successful jump jockey with 50 plus winners in three of the most recent seasons, will surpise many today, including his legendary fan club, by announcing his retirement from the saddle.
There will be deep disappointment at the Sussex based Leighton Aspell Fan Club, which was founded at Worthing's Marine View Hotel in 2001 and has several hundred members from as far afield as Scotland and Ireland.
A man of few words, he signed off without fanfare at Stratford after finishing unplaced on Reg Hollinshead's handicapper Pure Brief. He regarded a ride for the stable as an approprite end to his 15 year riding career, having served his apprenticeship with Britain's longest serving trainer.
Invariably in demand by a variety of trainers, Aspell's big race wins includeed two Welsh National's on the Paul Nicholls trained L'Aventure and Pat Murphy's Supreme Glory, on whom he was to Montys pass in the 2003 Grand National (His First ride in the race). Other major races include Punchestown's champion juvenile hurdle on Lucy Wadham's United and a Swinton Insurance hurdle on Peter Bowen's Dreams End. One of the highlights of last season was a win on the Henry Daly trained Billyvodden in the Ascot's Valuable BGC silver cup.
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