Veteran Jockey Joe Fanning Reveals Prostate Cancer Battle, Eyes Racing Return
Britain's oldest Flat jockey has disclosed the reason behind his absence from the track since last November. Joe Fanning, aged 55, is one of the sport's most prolific riders, with nearly 3,000 career wins, more than any other currently licensed jockey. Only six others, including legends Lester Piggott and Frankie Dettori, have ridden more winners in their careers.
Integral Role in Racing Success
Fanning has been a key figure in the success of trainers Mark Johnston and his son Charlie, notably riding Subjectivist to victory in the 2021 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. Despite riding 50 winners last year, he has been missing over the winter season.
In an interview for the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, Fanning explained his hiatus was due to a prostate cancer diagnosis. "December 2024 it was a little bit high and I kept doing my PSA and it spiked a bit," he said. "As you do you get an MRI, a biopsy and then I got it removed the last week in February."
Positive Recovery and Future Plans
Fanning expressed optimism about his health, stating, "I feel great, it's not a bother. First week, I was a little bit sore but once I got that out of the way I was flying. It's been good." He credited his weight as a significant factor in his swift recovery, noting that after the first ten days, he was walking his dogs for four miles daily.
The jockey emphasized he has no plans for retirement as long as his health permits. "Hopefully now they just keep an eye on my PSA," he added. "I see a surgeon in a couple of weeks and then hopefully I can start riding out again and take it from there. I definitely haven't ruled out a return to race riding. In a couple of weeks time I will know better."
Fanning's determination highlights his resilience, with the racing community eagerly awaiting his potential comeback to the sport.
