NORTHERN Echo racing correspondent and former jockey Niall Hannity was happy to be back in the saddle at Cheltenham yesterday, in his first race since retiring.

The St Patrick’s Derby charity race was the first the 33-year-old had ridden in competitively since stepping down from the sport in 2005.

He lost three stone in three months in order to be in shape for the race and raised more than £10,000 for Cancer Research by taking part.

He came fourth in the Cheltenham Festival race, which was won by rider Tina Cook on her brother Nick Gifford’s horse Pascha Bere, just weeks after the death of their father, Josh Gifford.

Also competing was Joanne McCain, the daughter of the late Ginger McCain, who trained Red Rum, and Wendy Normile, who is the assistant manager of the Coolmore Stud in Ireland.

Speaking after the race, Mr Hannity said: “I was happy the way I rode. I put a lot of work in to get fit.”

Since retiring, the jockey has worked as a presenter on the Racing UK television channel, as well as his other role as The Northern Echo’s racing correspondent.

As a professional jockey, Mr Hannity had been based at George Moore’s stable in Middleham and he rode his final race at Aintree nearly seven years ago.

To get back in shape for his return to the sport, he worked with George Wilson, a fitness coach and nutritionist based at John Moores University in Liverpool to quickly shed the pounds ahead of the race.

His strict training regime involved half-hour jogs first thing in the morning and last thing at night as well as eating six times a day.

Mr Hannity said the regime left him feeling fitter than he’d ever been and he hasn’t ruled out taking part in more charity events in the future.

“Taking part in the odd charity race in the future is something I would never rule out,” he said.

“But Cheltenham means everything to me. It was great to get the opportunity to race here and thanks to The Northern Echo for supporting me.”