James 'Fozzy' Stack and his father Tommy© Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Tommy Stack - former jockey of Red Rum - has announced he is to retire at the end of this year with his son, Fozzy, taking over the licence at his Thomastown Castle base in County Tipperary.
Stack, who won the 1977 Grand National on Red Rum and was a former champion National Hunt jockey in Britain, began training in the 1980s and won the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket in 1994 with the John Reid-ridden Las Meninas.
Stack said on his website: "After some deliberation I have decided to retire at the end of the year when Fozzy, who has been an absolutely essential and integral part of everything here for the best part of 20 years, will take over the licence.
"We have had some memorable days all the way from Corwyn Bay to Myboycharlie and I must thank each and every one of our owners for their commitment and support during that time, while I have absolutely no doubt that many great days lie ahead for Fozzy here at Thomastown Castle."
Stack's first Group One winner was Kostroma in the 1992 Beverly D. Stakes at Arlington Park in Chicago and there was further Classic glory when Moyglare Stud Stakes-winning filly Tarascon won the Irish 1000 Guineas under then-apprentice Jamie Spencer in 1998.
Stack has been assisted by his son since 1999 and the pair have enjoyed big wins with the likes of Alexander Tango winning at Grade One level in America in 2007 and during the same season Myboycharlie landing the Prix Morny at Deauville.
Reid recalled how he got the ride on Las Meninas, turning down Godolphin in the process.
He said: "Me and Tommy go back along way as I used to ride for Arthur Stephenson when he did. I rode the Flat horses and Tommy the jumpers.
"I was at Newmarket and Robert Sangster was there with Tommy and they asked me if I would ride Las Meninas in the 1000 Guineas.
"I said I would but the funny thing was near to the race I was offered the ride on Godolphin's horse (Balanchine) and I thought she would win, but I said I couldn't get let the other guys down.
"I stayed on Las Meninas and won the race. I'd never seen Tommy cry before!
"It was great for Tommy to win a Guineas. There's not many top jockeys who turn into top trainers, but Tommy bridged that gap and he's such a great guy.
"He's good to be around with Liz, his wife, and they are such a nice family. I still see them from time to time at the sales."
