Jim Reilly's 52 years of service marked at retirement party
Jim Bolger makes a presentation to mark his retirement after 52 years service as a farrier. Photo: Thomas Nolan Photography.
After over 50 years of service to trainer Jim Bolger, Jim Reilly was rightly recognised and hailed at his retirement party in the Lord Bagnal last Saturday.
One of Ireland’s greatest ever horse trainers, Bolger paid special praise to somebody who has been a key figure on his team for over five decades, and even said that Reilly was the best farrier in the world.
“Jim Reilly shod the first shoe for me in 1972 and since then has shod 56 Group 1 winners and 12 Classic winners, including two World Champions – San Jovite and New Approach. He also shod two Champion Hurdle winners and two Epsom and Irish Derby winners,” said Bolger.
“He has now decided to take things a little easier and let some rust gather on his anvil. I’m delighted to see him retire in good health, never having been injured while shoeing over 5,000 horses and I wish him a very happy and long retirement.
“Jim is a thorough gentleman and a great friend to Jackie, me, my family and staff. I don’t think there has ever been a better farrier anywhere in the world and he never missed a day in 52 years. I’m sure Willie Mullins, Aidan O’Brien and many others have learned much from Jim,” added the famed trainer about somebody who clearly means quite a lot to him.
