Jump jockey Henry Brooke has retired from the saddle due to injury with plans to launch a VIP toilet business. The 35-year-old has not ridden since September last year when he broke his leg in a fall at Perth. He had enjoyed his most successful season in 2024-25, riding 62 winners, but declared he was leaving the sport with "no regrets" and "amazing memories" due to ongoing injury issues.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Brooke rode his first winner at Market Rasen in 2010 and was champion conditional in 2011-12 when he worked for Donald McCain. He established himself as a cornerstone of the northern jumps weighing room, claiming notable handicaps including Newcastle's Eider Chase on two occasions and Wetherby's Boxing Day showpiece the Rowland Meyrick three times.
Grade 1 glory came his way when Micky Hammond's Cornerstone Lad pipped Buveur D'Air in the 2019 Fighting Fifth Hurdle. He also tasted success over the Grand National fences aboard Highland Lodge in the 2015 Becher Chase and then Gesskille eight years on in the 2023 Grand Sefton.
Reflections on an 18-Year Career
"I was a bit unlucky with injuries but that's just a part of everyday life and people get injured during all sorts of different careers," said Brooke. "I've had an absolutely cracking career and have no regrets whatsoever. I'm delighted now to have the next chapter of my life ahead of me. Hopefully I'm not halfway through my life yet and there's more great things to come."
Reflecting on his career, he added: "I've worked with some great people and ridden for some brilliant trainers and owners. I've been a lucky lad. I've given my family some amazing memories and my little kids were old enough to go and watch me race when I was riding. I had a couple of winners over the Grand National fences which is always special and the first time I won over them on Highland Lodge they were proper fences."
Transition to VIP Toilet Business
In the next chapter, Brooke will channel his efforts into a VIP toilet business. "They are VIP toilet trailers and I do have portaloos as well but that's mainly what I'm doing at present to keep my head above water and hopefully it will go really well," explained Brooke. "Nothing is as hard work as getting plummeted into the ground at 40mph so I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes."
