Britain's most successful point-to-point jockey, Will Biddick, has announced his immediate retirement from the saddle, stating he has simply "lost the buzz" for racing.
A Record-Breaking Career in the Saddle
The 39-year-old rider bows out with an extraordinary career tally of 705 victories, a monumental figure that cements his status as a legend of the amateur racing scene. Of those wins, a staggering 623 were achieved in point-to-point competitions.
Biddick's dominance is underscored by two significant records: he holds the record for the most wins in a single point-to-point season (68) and shares the record for the most men's championships, having claimed the title eight times.
His career, spanning more than two decades, featured notable highlights under rules. He secured a cherished Cheltenham Festival victory on Something Wells in the 2009 Plate and triumphed in the Aintree Foxhunters at the 2023 Grand National meeting aboard Famous Clermont.
The Decision to Hang Up His Boots
Biddick revealed his decision was made over the Christmas period after a conversation with his wife, Harriet. He told gbpointing.co.uk: "I'm not broken and the sport has been great to me, but I had a word with Harriet at Christmas and decided it was time. I've had some amazing glory days and I'm grateful for that."
While the passion for riding has faded, his involvement in the sport remains deeply entrenched through his burgeoning second career as a talent spotter and horse preparer.
A Keen Eye for Talent: The No Drama This End Story
Biddick's retirement announcement came on the same day that one of his most notable discoveries, No Drama This End, delivered a stunning performance. The gelding, whom Biddick bought for £22,000 in Ireland in 2023, won the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury.
Biddick had ridden the horse to a 23-length victory in its only point-to-point start before the gelding was sold for £160,000 to champion trainer Paul Nicholls at the 2024 Tattersalls Cheltenham Festival Sale.
Under Nicholls' care, No Drama This End has flourished, winning four of his five starts under rules and remaining unbeaten over hurdles. His Newbury victory has sparked major excitement about his potential.
High Praise from a Champion Trainer
Paul Nicholls was quick to credit Biddick for the horse's emergence. "Will Biddick deserves a lot of credit for buying him, educating him at three and four years old and insisting I bought him," said the 14-time champion trainer.
Nicholls even drew favourable comparisons with some of his past superstars, like Denman and Bravemansgame. "If you think three runs over hurdles and he's won two Grade Twos and a Grade One and none of them achieved that... He's exciting, very exciting," Nicholls added.
As Will Biddick steps away from competitive riding, his legacy is assured not only by his record-breaking tally of wins but also by his sharp eye for equine talent, which continues to shape the future of National Hunt racing at the highest level.
