Top NZ jumps jockey calls time on career to concentrate on training

Shaun Fannin has dominated the New Zealand jumps jockey ranks in recent years, but he is now passing on the baton after confirming his retirement from riding over fences.

It’s a decision that has been in the works for the last couple of years, with Fannin winding down his riding commitments as he focuses on developing his Awapuni stable alongside his wife and training partner, Hazel.

“I am not looking to ride over fences anymore, I think that part of my life is over, and I will be focusing solely on training,” Fannin said.

“I have been thinking about it for a while, and it’s just Hazel and I with the horses, so the stable is dependent on us both.”

In a riding career that has spanned 14 seasons, the 30-year-old horseman has won 174 races, including 23 prestige jumps titles, and he has been crowned New Zealand Jumps Jockey of the Year on five occasions.

His partnership with champion jumper West Coast has been his most celebrated in recent times. – NZ Racing Desk