Horse Racing is a sport that’s steeped in tradition, with records for unmissable races such as the Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup heading back not just decades but a century and more. Winners of these events go down in history and become part and parcel of this unique spectacle. Who doesn’t recognise horses such as Frankel or Red Rum, trainers such as Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson and owners Godolphin, and Michael Stoute. A vital part in the puzzle though is the jockey.
Whether national hunt or over the flat, a jockey is a core component of every race and path to victory. Combining tactics with experience they are as memorable within the sport of racing as the horses (the engine!) they sit upon. Knowing when to sit back, to press, showing bravery, patience, and understanding the horses they ride are all vital to being a winning jockey and making it at the highest level.
Riding in ‘jewel in the crown’ type races such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup, The Derby, and Grand National they have a chance to show what they’re made of and carve their name into the racing history. Some jockeys are known to be fast finishers, others to always find a path to victory, there are as many approaches as personalities.
With the likes of Frankie Dettori achieveing the ‘magnificent seven’ (7 wins on one card in Ascot, 1996), AP McCoy being 20× Champion Jump Jockey, and Ruby Walsh with his knack for Cheltenham Festival wins, every jockey has his own story of triumph or perseverance. Rising stars form part of the picture too, with new faces on the flat racing scene like British All-Weather Champion Apprentice and Champion Apprentice Billy Loughnane, and Jack Doughty being a force to be reckoned with. And on the National Hunt scene there’s Sean Bowen (recently crowned British Champion Jump Jockey) and Charlotte Jones is definitely being one to watch too. Keep checking our site for jockey updates and info in what is a celebration of UK jockeys.