Racing: Jumping's Most Successful Jockey: `He made bad horses look good and every day he was at his best'

After an astonishing 1,699 victories the former champion is forced by injuries to hang up his riding boots

DAVID NICHOLSON

"I am not surprised, I am sorry he has to retire, but I am delighted he is going out at the top. He is one of the nicest people I have ever worked with, a gentleman - he was a great rider. He has been a credit to his profession and we have had some great moments - we had 40 winners at Cheltenham. He rode a four-timer for me at Stratford, he won the Mackeson in 1986 on Very Promising, the Gold Cup on Charter Party in 1988 and an Arkle on Waterloo Boy. I think Call It A Day was his last ride for me when third in last season's Grand National."

JOHN FRANCOME

"I rode against him many times and his retirement is sad for spectators - he was the one man who could give Tony McCoy a run for his money. He was like Peter Scudamore, very dedicated but perhaps a little bit more polished. He made bad horses look good and every day he was at his best. It is better for him to go at the top rather than go downhill and perhaps get a serious injury."

MARTIN PIPE

"Richard was a great jockey, a true professional and he rode some brilliant races for us. He rode a great race on Challenger Du Luc when he won the Murphy's Gold Cup. He won the Grand National for us on Miinnehoma and a Whitbread on Cache Fleur in which he got down to his minimum weight."

MICHAEL CAULFIELD

"I was present to witness his first winner at a point-to-point in May 1983, since then his career has been spectacular. Richard Dunwoody was the most complete jockey of his generation, he had many strengths and no weaknesses. Richard was a magnificent president of the Jockeys' Association. Richard was aware of his responsibilities as champion jockey, role-model and president and he truly cared for his fellow jockeys."

STAN MELLOR

"I always felt he was a role-model for younger riders. In my time you could tell the different jockeys by their riding styles, but many have tried to copy him and now they all look alike. Richard has a bit to do with that. Richard's legacy is that he has left behind a lot of stylish jockeys."

CARL LLEWELLYN

"He is the ultimate professional, very dedicated and determined in whatever race it was as he really hated to be beaten - in fact he was his own worst critic. But he is a very kind bloke and a good friend."

MICK FITZGERALD

"Richard was the best I've ever seen and probably the best that's ever been."

PAUL NICHOLLS

"Richard was the ultimate professional and a great guy as you always knew he was on your side when he was riding. He was stable jockey for me for a season and really helped when I was getting going. His retirement is a great loss."

TERRY BIDDLECOMBE

"I was hoping he would be back for Cheltenham - he is very good around there. It is a sad note to end on but that happens with jump jockeys, it happened to me.''

TONY McCOY

"Richard wasn't hard to beat on the track, he was the hardest. Though we'll all miss him in the weighing-room, we won't miss him in a race I can tell you."