FORMER jockey Aidan Coleman has opened up about the emotional challenges he’s faced since being forced into early retirement.
The Cork-born jockey announced his retirement last April after a career-ending injury.
He was unable to recover fully from a knee injury sustained in a fall at Worcester, which also left him with a shattered tibia.
Coleman has spoken of the mental toll it took on him after his dreams were suddenly taken away.
In an interview with ‘Thoroughbred Daily News’ he described feeling “lost” as he struggled to find his purpose.
Aidan, who rode more than 1200 career winners as a jockey fears that he might “feel like this forever” as he’s unsure of his next career move.
He said: “It’s hard for people to help me when I don’t even know what I want to do.
“If I knew, I’d go and do it, but I just don’t have a clue.”
The interview drew praise from near and far on social media as former colleagues praised Coleman for his honesty.
Trainer Fergal O’Brien commented: “Candid stuff from @AidanColeman. #ItsOkNotToBeOk.”
Another penned: “What a refreshing interview, no hiding from his feelings—just pure honesty. Many will relate to his struggles.”
Coleman later took to the social media platform himself as he , expressed how much the interview meant to him.
He commented “Probably got more from this interview than I have from every other I’ve done in my career!!
“The chat hit home more than I could ever imagine.”
Coleman admitted that he wasn’t keen to work in TV after trying it after the injury but he does enjoy doing podcasts.
He also admitted that he would be interested in helping horse owners in the future.
He added: “I tried doing a bit of work with Racing TV as well but didn’t like it. I can’t see myself doing TV.
“I like the smaller stuff, like doing podcasts, because invariably you’re talking about a topic or a race that’s worth talking about.
“I like that stuff because it’s interesting and it’s snappy. A full day doing TV at the races, it’s just not my cup of tea. I was just a fish out of water on Racing TV.
“I wouldn’t mind helping owners out in some capacity. I have seen a lot of wealthy people come and go in this game. A lot of them left the game because they were being fleeced.
“So, maybe if they had someone in their corner, things would have been different.”
