The 36-year-old rider was set to call it a day after a glittering career to have yielded over 1000 winners, a Grand National with Rough Quest (1996) and the 1999 Cheltenham Gold Cup (See More Business). But after much discussion with boss Nicky Henderson and his partner, Chloe, Fitzgerald has opted to continue riding.

"I am carrying on in the sport I just can't walk away from, " he said. "Quite simply, I am still so much in love with the sport I just cannot contemplate giving it up right now. I have been privileged to ride so many good winners this season and I know there are many more in the pipeline that I will be associated with in the future.

"The end result is I won't be hanging up my racing boots after the Grand National and, to be honest, I am delighted, " Fitzgerald said.