BRIAN Toomey is looking forward to renewing his Irish contacts when he returns home to Limerick next week. The 27-year-old is making a fresh start after retiring from race-riding this week.

Toomey made worldwide headlines last summer when he made a comeback in the saddle following a two-year recovery from serious head injuries he sustained in a fall at Perth in 2013.

But Toomey since struggled to gain regular rides and last week announced his intention to hang up his saddle.

Speaking to The Irish Field yesterday, he said: “I’m very keen to stay in racing and I’ll consider all offers.”

Reflecting on his riding career, he said: “I’m lucky to be here. People thought I could never get back. I had to prove it to myself, and having a goal helped my recovery. From the day I got back walking and talking I was determined to come back.

“I’d like thank the support I’ve had, but I can understand why I didn’t get the rides - there’s so much worry. I want to stay in racing, I’m addicted to it.”

Toomey has a long-term ambition to be a trainer.