Racing:: Pat Eddery achieved his retirement-year dream of a Group One success when Reel Buddy sprang a major surprise in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood yesterday.
The 11-times champion jockey revealed last month that he would be quitting the saddle at the end of this season.
And the thoughts of many in the vast crowd on the Sussex Downs were that the moment Richard Hannon's charge crossed the line, an illustrious career might be over. However, despite being roared into the winner's enclosure by his weighing-room colleagues and an army of admirers, Eddery confirmed the show is not yet over.
"It's great to ride a Group One winner in my final season," he said. "Some people may have felt I would retire if I rode another, but I certainly shan't be packing up at once."
Reel Buddy - who finished third in the race last year - came from last to first to deny Statue Of Liberty by a head in a five-way photograph, with Norse Dancer, Zafeen and Moon Ballad, who finished in that order, also catching the eye of the judges.
Runner-up Statue Of Liberty was supported throughout the day.
"He had no luck in the race but was really coming home," said his trainer Aidan O'Brien.
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