FRANS FOR THE MEMORIES
‘King of Chester’ Franny Norton – the jockey who wanted to fight Ant and Dec – retires with nearly £20million winnings
He won almost £20million on the track
'KING OF CHESTER' Franny Norton - the jockey who wanted to fight Ant and Dec - has announced his retirement aged 54.
A weighing room legend who's spent 35 years in the saddle, Norton will have his final rides at Chester on Saturday.
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In a career that has seen him win almost £20million on the track and bag three Group races, he was best known for being unstoppable around the tight, twisting Roodee track he made his home.
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Norton won the Chester Cup on Making Miracles in 2019 and his two Group 2 wins on Sir Ron Priestley were among the highlights of his almost 2,000 career victories.
A keen boxer who turned down a place in the 1998 Commonwealth Games, he was due to fight TV favourites Ant and Dec in a charity bout in 2005.
But the dust-up never happened because, the jockey said, 'their management didn't want it'.
That was probably a blessing in disguise, as Norton was eight-time stable lad boxing champ.
On his decision to retire, Norton said: "After an incredible journey spanning over 35 years, the time has come for me to hang up my boots and call it a day in horse racing.
"From the early days in the saddle to the many highs and lows that followed, this sport has given me memories I will treasure forever.
"I've been blessed to ride alongside some of the best jockeys, work with the finest trainers, and compete at the most iconic racecourses.
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"Every moment has been a privilege.
"Racing has taught me resilience, passion, and humility, and I'm forever grateful for the incredible journey it has taken me on.
"I look forward to seeing you all at Chester for one last race. Let's make it a day to remember."
Norton added that even in his advancing years he had absolutely no trouble making weight and remained as fit as ever.
But big-time opportunities on good horses were getting less and less.
He originally intended to retire last year, at the same time Frankie Dettori announced he was leaving Britain to race in the US.
He delayed that call for 12 months in the hope of another Chester Cup success but it never came.
And he added: "I'm now ready to move on."
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