Liverpool jockey Franny Norton had a fairytale end to his near 36-year career in the saddle at his rode a superb treble at his beloved Chester on Saturday. The Liverpool FC fan had announced his retirement earlier in the week and fittingly he would bow out on the Roodee – a track where before Saturday he had had 154 winners over the years including Chester Cup glory on Making Miracles in 2019 and landing the Cheshire Oaks on Dubai Fountain, both of whom were trained by Mark Johnston, for whom he had a long association with.
### A Memorable Day at Chester
The 54-year-old was supported on his final day at the track with several different trainers providing him with a ride in all seven races on the card at Chester. And the Belle Vale rider claimed a hat-trick of victories on a memorable afternoon for the Liverpool-born jockey. Norton’s first two rides failed to bring that much-hoped-for winner, with Karl Carlston (5-1) – trained by former weighing room colleague Darryl Holland, who he was runner-up to the apprentice jockey championship back in 1991 – finishing fourth in the Halliwell Jones Nursery.
### Triumphs on the Track
But in the third race of the afternoon Norton grabbed the first of his three wins on 1-3 favourite Raneenn in the EBF “Confined” Fillies’ Novice Stakes. The William Haggas-trained filly made all in the six-furlong contest and scored by a length-and-three-quarters from Radio Star. The Newmarket trainer was delighted to give Norton a winner on his final day and recalled a past association with the popular rider. He said: “It was lovely to give him a winner on his last day. He rode the most brilliant race for us a few years ago (2017) on a horse called Fastnet Tempest at Chester, when he came from last to first in a big-field handicap. I’m delighted for him that he’s ridden a winner on his last day, he deserves it.”
### Final Victories
Norton was given a guard of honour by his fellow jockeys before his penultimate ride on the Gary and Josh Moore-trained Small Fry in the Camden Hells Handicap. Norton enjoyed the cheers of his ‘home’ crowd as he came out of the weighing room. Then the 11-10 favourite Small Fry was again prominent throughout the 1m6f contest and, under another fine ride by Norton, he triumphed by a length-and-a-quarter from Tailorman (9-1). Ahead of his final ride on board the Charlie Johnston-trained Qitaal Norton, who had also a talented amateur boxer at flyweight in the 1990s, told Chester Races: “It was like going for a fight. I lost a couple of rounds and I’m coming back now. I’m just going to the enjoy the moment.”
### A Legacy to Remember
His final ride aboard Qitaal, sent off the 2-1 favourite, was delayed by 20 minutes due to a thunderstorm. And with those weather issues the finale, the Abacus Securities Farewell To Franny Norton Handicap renamed in his honour, had to have a flag start. But the delay and the gloomy weather couldn’t stop Norton as Qitaal coasted through the softening conditions to score by an incredible eight lengths from He’s A Gentleman (20-1) and bring up up the jockey’s final-day treble. It means the Scouser ends his career on 1,907 winners and fittingly his final one was for the Johnston Middleham-based stable, for whom he has had a long and successful association. Norton punched the air passing the post and made the most of his final return to a winner’s enclosure he has made his own many times over the years.
### Looking Towards the Future
Now he will enjoy a well-earned retirement and spend more time with his family – has has three children, daughters Rumha (22) and Talia (16) and son Shea (18) – and also get to watch his beloved Liverpool FC a bit more. But Norton got into the sport having had no background in racing, he shouldn’t be lost to the game. Throughout his near 36 years in racing has been a real ambassador for the sport. His dedication to racing and also the fitness and nutrition needed to thrive at the top of one of the most demanding sport is something that should be tapped into it. He is already trying to mentor and help youngsters trying to get into sport. He added: “I was actually interviewed last week for a jobs. It was the first interview I’ve had. It was with Dame Kelly Holmes, to be a sporting mentor. “I don’t know how I got on. It’s all about showing kids the importance of the mindset, the dedication you need to be an athlete. It’s about getting kids to believe in themselves and give everyone an equal opportunity. If I could pass that on, it would be brilliant.”