One country that is known for producing some of the greatest jockeys the sport has ever seen is Ireland. From dominating the national hunt races to leaving the rest of the field behind on the flat, Irish jockeys are gamed for their incredible skill, courage, and their dedication to the sport. It’s practically guaranteed that if you check the horse racing latest odds, you’ll find at least one Irish jockey there!
Here, we’ll look at some of the most successful Irish jockeys of all time – and how they’ve made a mark on the world of racing.
1. Tony McCoy (AP McCoy)
We can’t not mention Tony McCoy, who’s considered by many to be the greatest jump jockey of all time.
This is a man who rode a mind-blowing 4,358 winners during his career – and set records that will likely never be surpassed. He was crowned Champion Jockey for 20 years in a row… which is a testament to his dominance in the sport.
During his time, he’s won some of the world’s most prestigious races, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, the Grand National, and King George VI Chase.
He always displayed a relentless determination and unmatched professionalism that has earned him not just respect, but a knighthood!
2. Ruby Walsh
Next, we have Ruby Walsh, who’s another legendary name in the world of horse racing, thanks to his skill and tactical brilliance.
He’s the most successful jockey ever in the history of the Cheltenham Festival… with an incredible 59 winners. He’s also been associated with some of the very best horses of his era, including iconic names like Kauto Star, Big Buck’s, and Hurricane Fly.
In his career, he won two Cheltenham Gold Cups, aboard Kauto Star in 2007 and 2009, achieved 11 Irish Jockeys’ Championships and has enjoyed plenty of other wins – in the Grand National, Irish Grand National, King George VI Chase and more.
Thanks to his ice-cool temperament under pressure, he retired in 2019 as one of the most successful jockeys in racing history.
3. Mick Kinane
When it comes to flat races, Mick Kinane is considered one of Ireland’s all-time greats, enjoying a career that lasted over 30 years.
During this time, he rode winners in practically every major flat race in the world – including the Derby, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and even the Melbourne Cup. He’s won four Ascot Gold Cups and five Irish Derby victories – and his professionalism and international success helped to take the world of Irish flat racing to whole new heights.
4. Pat Taaffe
Moving on to a giant of jump racing, Pat Taaffe is famous mainly for his association with the legendary Arkle, who’s arguably the greatest steeplechaser of all time.
He won no less than 25 races with Arkle – including three consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cups between 1964 and 1966. He also won the race back in 1957 with Fort Leney, taking his overall tally to four.
5. Johnny Murtagh
In fifth place, we have a modern great in flat racing – Johnny Murtagh who’s had an incredible career as both a jockey and a trainer.
During his career, he enjoyed lots of wins in Classics and Group 1 races – and claimed victory in the Epsom Derby three times and the Irish Derby four times, as well as securing five Ascot Gold Cups.
6. Barry Geraghty
Moving on, we have Barry Geraghty, who enjoyed an impressive career as a jump jockey – and won practically every major race in the sport. With 43 wins, he’s the second most successful jockey in Cheltenham Festival history and he won the Grand National with Monty’s Pass in 2003. On top of this, he’s had success in the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase, and Gold Cup.
7. Rachael Blackmore
For many fans of the sport, the rise of Rachael Blackmore has been one of the most exciting things in modern racing. In 2021, she made history by being the first female jockey to win the Grand National – and, that same year, became the leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival, which was a groundbreaking achievement.
This is a woman who has shattered stereotypes and inspired a whole new generation of female riders.
Conclusion
Ireland has been incredibly successful in the world of horse racing because of its passion for the sport – and its world-class training facilities. These are just some of the incredible jockeys to come from the Emerald Isle – and we’ve no doubt there will be plenty more in the future..
