Racing: Henderson signs jockey

ONE OF the best jobs open to National Hunt jockeys, that of stable rider to the powerful Nick Henderson string, has gone to Mick Fitzgerald. The 22-year-old Irishman, who has enjoyed his best campaign with 54 winners, has landed a job that had been linked with the more experienced Charlie Swan, Jamie Osborne and Norman Williamson.

Nevertheless, Richard Dunwoody will continue to ride for Henderson when not called upon by Martin Pipe. This arrangement is likely to include a partnership with Remittance Man.

Fitzgerald has made his mark with the West Country trainer Jackie Retter. This season he has emerged from the shadow of Adrian Maguire, who took the other job vacated by Dunwoody with David Nicholson.

'I have been watching Mick and he is an up and coming bright guy who seems destined to go to the top,' Henderson said.