In 1996 at Aintree, an Irish jockey claimed victory in the event while riding Rough Quest. The race favorite managed to overtake Encore un Peu late in the race, sealing the victory in a thrilling manner. In the post-win interview with Des Lynam, the jockey, Fitzgerald, became carried away with excitement, famously proclaiming, “After that, Des, even sex is an anti-climax!” This statement has since garnered widespread attention, with Fitzgerald even naming his autobiography ‘Better Than Sex’. He later explained that when he made the remark, he was engaged, and his fiancé was not present at Aintree, but was instead watching on TV like the other millions of viewers.
This humorous statement by Fitzgerald has left a lasting impression, becoming well-known in the realms of horse racing and sporting anecdotes. His candor and enthusiasm in the post-win interview have contributed to the widespread recognition of his declaration, further perpetuating the legacy of the moment.
