At various points in his career, Kieren Fallon was stable jockey to three of the most successful trainers in the history of British racing, namely Sir Henry Cecil, Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O’Brien. He rode a total of over 2,500 winners, including 16 Classic winners, and won the jockeys’ title six times, in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2003.
However, his career was blighted by a succession of disciplinary setbacks, including repeated, lengthy bans for failed drug tests and prosecution – albeit without a conviction – for race fixing. Fallon retired in July, 2016, with Dr. Adrian McGoldrick, Chief Medical Officer to the Irish Turf Club, citing ‘severe depression’ as the principal reason for his doing so. Dr. McGoldrick added, ‘It’s an awful reflection on my own profession that it hasn’t been picked up sooner. He’s gone through three different doctors and the symptoms were never picked up.’
The incident in which Fallon pulled a fellow jockey from his horse occurred at Beverley on September 14, 1994. In the John Mangles Memorial Handicap, over an extended mile, Fallon rode Gymcrack Flyer, who weakened inside the final furlong to finish unplaced behind the winning favourite, Sailormate, who was completing a hat-trick. However, Fallon took exception to the winning jockey, Stuart Webster, grabbed him and dragged him from the saddle as he was pulling up. The pair subsequently emerged, bruised and bloody, from the weighing room to face the local stewards, who referred the original incident to Portman Square.
On June 2, 1994, Fallon had beaten Sailormate on Heart Broken, trained by Jimmy Fitzgerald, over six furlongs at Southwell, only to be disqualified and placed last after a stewards’ enquiry and an objection by the rider of the second, namely Webster. In any event, the Jockey Club took a dim view of his actions and banned him for six months for violent and improper conduct.
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival, unfolding from March 11-14 across 28 races, is set to deliver drama, and the Queen Mother Champion Chase at 16:00 on Wednesday, March 12 carries a redemption arc that’s impossible to ignore—Jonbon’s at its beating heart. Nicky Henderson’s star chaser, boosted by Unibet from 4/5 to 11/10, faces a chorus of doubters after a rollercoaster festival record. In the Racing Post’s Unibet-sponsored preview, Henderson mounted a fierce defense, Nico de Boinville stoked the fire, and the panel—Tom Segal, Paul Kealy, Ed Nicholson—debated his shot at Wednesday glory. Can Jonbon, a nine-year-old with nine wins from 12 starts, finally quiet the skeptics and claim his crown?
The Cheltenham Curse: Doubts That Linger
Jonbon’s festival story is a bittersweet saga—glory tinged with grit. His 2022 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle romp—a five-length demolition over 2 miles—hinted at untouchable greatness, a British beacon under Henderson’s care. But last year’s Champion Chase flop—fifth behind El Fabiolo, trailing by 12 lengths—stung like a whip crack. “He’s got Cheltenham doubters to silence,” Ed Nicholson said, his voice carrying the weight of a punter’s lament, noting Jonbon’s “allergic reaction” to Prestbury Park’s unforgiving stage.
Paul Kealy piled on the pressure: “He’s not delivered here when it counts—last year was a wake-up call.” Yet his recent Kempton Christmas Chase romp over Matata—winning by a commanding six lengths—sparked fresh hope. Nico de Boinville called it “a statement,” his grin wide as he recalled Jonbon’s late surge. At 11/10, Unibet’s boost reflects a flicker of punter faith—but the question gnaws: can he crack the Cheltenham code over 13 fences and 2 miles? The curse lingers, a shadow he must shake.
Henderson’s Defense: A Trainer’s Unshakable Faith
Nicky Henderson isn’t hearing the noise—he’s drowning it out with conviction. “He’s not allergic to Cheltenham—rubbish,” he snapped during the preview, his tone sharp as a blade. Reeling off Jonbon’s local stats—a Grade 1 Shloer Chase win in 2022 by three lengths and a near-miss second in the 2023 Arkle, beaten a neck by El Fabiolo—Henderson built his case: “He’s been second here, won here—he’s fine.” His eight Champion Hurdle wins lend gravitas—he’s silenced doubters before.
That Kempton masterclass—beating Found A Fifty by six lengths over 2 miles 4 furlongs—bolsters the argument. “He’s in top nick—Wednesday’s his day,” Henderson declared, eyeing the Champion Chase’s 2-mile test with a glint of defiance. “There’s no chinks—he’s peaking now,” he added, brushing off last year’s stumble as a blip. Jonbon’s his mission—a redemption shot to prove the skeptics wrong, a trainer’s faith forged in fire and turf.
A Record Under Scrutiny: Form Meets Pressure
Jonbon’s resume dazzles—nine wins from 12 starts, five Grade 1s in the bag, a chaser with pace and power. But Cheltenham’s spotlight magnifies every misstep, turning brilliance into a question mark. Tom Segal hedged: “He’s class—pure class—but he’s got to prove it here, where it matters.” Kealy countered: “Kempton’s not the festival—Marine Nationale’s the threat, not Matata.” That Irish rival at 7/1 looms large, yet Jonbon’s latest run—clocking a sub-40-second final furlong—showed “no chinks,” per Henderson. Watch that form in action:
Energumene (15/2) is fading, El Fabiolo’s out of the mix—the door’s ajar, but pressure’s on. “He’s got the tools—now use them,” Nicholson mused, the stakes razor-sharp. Jonbon must seize this shot—13 fences, one chance.
The Field’s Challenge: Rivals in Waiting
Wednesday’s Champion Chase isn’t a solo act—it’s a gauntlet of raiders and rivals. Marine Nationale, Barry Connell’s unbeaten ace at 7/1, brings Irish grit—Kealy fancies him: “He’s got gears Jonbon hasn’t faced—electric pace.” Banbridge (9/1), a Joseph O’Brien hope, thrives on good ground—forecasts hint at drying turf by midweek, boosting his King George form. “He’s a stayer with speed—dangerous,” Segal said, though he’s skeptical: “Jonbon’s too quick—Marine’s untested at this level.”
Gaelic Warrior (7/1), Willie Mullins’ wildcard, and Solness (10/1) add depth—Jennings grinned, “It’s a scrum—wide open.” Nicholson’s market leans British: “Jonbon’s holding firm at 11/10—punters trust him over the Irish.” Dive into Cheltenham betting at Unibet—non-runner no bet keeps the 2-mile, 13-fence dash a punter’s playground. “He’s got to be perfect—rivals won’t wait,” Kealy warned, the field a crucible for redemption.
The Redemption Shot: Ground, Gears, and Glory
Ground could tip the scales—soft early favors Marine Nationale’s stamina, drying conditions suit Jonbon’s blistering speed. “He loves a quick surface—perfect by Wednesday,” Henderson said, banking on a forecast shift from good-to-soft to good. Nico nodded: “He’s built for it—flies when it firms.” Unibet’s 11/10 boost, part of their non-runner no bet offer, sweetens the deal—Nicholson grinned, “He’s driving turnover—punters smell a comeback.”
Segal’s on board: “He’s the one if he brings Kempton form—dominant there.” Kealy’s torn: “It’s his shot—but Marine’s gears could nick it.” The 2-mile test demands precision—13 fences, no room for error. “He’s got the class—now show the guts,” Nicholson said, the market humming with anticipation. Wednesday’s verdict hinges on Jonbon’s stride—redemption or relapse, it’s all on the line.
Silence or Surrender: The Final Fence
Will Jonbon rewrite his Cheltenham tale? Henderson’s adamant: “He’ll do it—I’d be amazed if he doesn’t.” Nico echoed: “He’s ready—doubters will eat their words, mark it.” Segal wants flair: “A win here cements him—legacy stuff.” On March 12, 16:00, 2 miles of Prestbury Park turf and 13 fences settle the score—redemption or another footnote in a bittersweet saga.
Britain’s faithful see a king reborn—Jennings mused, “He’s their hope—crowd’ll roar him home.” Ireland’s raiders see a target—Kealy countered, “Marine’s the dark horse—could spoil it.” With Unibet’s 11/10, back him now—Jonbon’s redemption shot is live. “It’s his moment—silence the noise or fade,” Segal said, torn between form and faith. Can he claim his crown and quiet the skeptics—or will Cheltenham’s curse strike again?
The 2,000 Guineas and 1,000 Guineas are the first two Classics of the British Flat racing season. Both races are run over the Rowley Mile at Newmarket but, while the former is open to three-year-old colts and fillies, the latter is restricted to three-year-old fillies only. They are currently scheduled for consecutive days over the first weekend in May.
In order to find most successful jockey in the history of either race, we need to leaf through the history book a fair bit, back to a time before Lester Piggott, Pat Eddery or even Sir Gordon Richards. The leading jockey in the history of the 2,000 Guineas was, in fact, James ‘Jem’ Robinson, who was one of the finest riders in the first half of the nineteenth century. Between 1825 and 1848, Robinson won the Newmarket Classic nine times, including four years in a row between 1833 and 1836. All told, he rode 24 British Classic winners, more than anyone else except Frank Buckle (27) and Lester Piggott (30).
The most successful jockey in the history of the 1,000 Guineas – which, for the record, was established five years after the 2,000 Guineas – was another leading light of the nineteenth century, George Fordham. Fordham was perennial champion jockey between 1855 and 1863 and 14 times in all. He won the 1,000 Guineas five times between 1859 and 1869, before retiring from race riding for the first time in 1875 because of failing health due, in no small part, to heavy drinking. However, after a four-year hiatus, he was coaxed out of retirement by influential owner Sir George Chetwynd and went on to win the fillies’ Classic twice more, in 1881 and 1883, before hanging up his boots for the second and final time in 1884.
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival is set to get underway on Tuesday next week, and anticipation is building for another four days of top-class National Hunt racing. For jockeys, winning at Cheltenham is a career-defining achievement, with victories in the marquee races – such as the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, and Queen Mother Champion Chase – cementing their place in racing history.
Yet, a select few have gone beyond simply winning; they have dominated the event for sustained periods of their respective careers, forging a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
As we gear up for another thrilling edition of Cheltenham, it’s a fitting time to pay homage to some of the greatest jockeys who have graced this iconic meeting. Their enduring legacy continues to inspire the riders of today, who are on course to join them among the all-time greats.
Ruby Walsh – 59 Cheltenham Festival Wins
When it comes to Cheltenham Festival legends, one name stands above all – Ruby Walsh. With an astonishing 59 wins, he remains the most successful jockey in the Festival’s history. His dominance at Prestbury Park was such that he was crowned Leading Jockey at the meeting eleven times, including twice achieving a remarkable seven wins across four days.
Walsh’s most memorable Cheltenham triumphs include:
Two Cheltenham Gold Cups (Kauto Star, 2007 & 2009)
Four Champion Hurdles
Three Queen Mother Champion Chases
He also holds the incredible record of being the first jockey to ride four winners in a single day at the Festival, a feat he achieved in 2017. Walsh’s partnership with Irish trainer Willie Mullins saw him guide some of the most famous horses in Festival history to victory, including Hurricane Fly, Faugheen, Douvan, and Annie Power.
Even in retirement, Walsh’s influence on Cheltenham remains strong. His insights as a racing pundit continue to shape discussions around the sport, and his record-breaking tally still stands as the benchmark for aspiring jump jockeys.
Barry Geraghty – 43 Cheltenham Festival Wins
Close behind Walsh’s legendary status is Barry Geraghty, who amassed 43 Festival victories during his glittering career. A supremely talented and adaptable rider, Geraghty became Leading Jockey at Cheltenham twice, most notably in 2003 when he rode five winners, setting a record at the time. He repeated the feat in 2012, once again being crowned the Festival’s top rider.
Geraghty’s most notable wins at Cheltenham include:
His final Champion Hurdle victory came in 2020 aboard Nicky Henderson’s Epatante. This moment underlined his class and ability to deliver on the biggest stage time and time again as he neared retirement. Having called time on his career shortly after, Geraghty remains one of the Festival’s most respected figures.
Sir AP McCoy – 31 Cheltenham Festival Wins
When discussing the greatest National Hunt jockeys, Sir AP McCoy is a name that always comes up. The 20-time Champion Jockey was a relentless competitor, and his 31 victories at Prestbury Park solidified his place among the all-time greats.
McCoy was crowned Leading Jockey at Cheltenham twice, in 1997 and 1998, and his biggest wins at the Festival include:
Two Cheltenham Gold Cups (Mr Mulligan, 1997 & Synchronised, 2012)
Three Champion Hurdles
One Queen Mother Champion Chase
McCoy’s success wasn’t just about talent – it was about sheer determination and unwavering resilience. His fearless riding style and unmatched work ethic made him a favourite among punters and trainers alike. His 2012 Gold Cup victory aboard Synchronised remains one of the most emotional and inspiring moments in Festival history, showcasing his ability to produce career-defining rides on the grandest stage.
Pat Taaffe – 25 Cheltenham Festival Wins
Few jockeys have left an imprint on Cheltenham quite like Pat Taaffe. Though he rode in a different era, his 25 Festival wins remain an astonishing achievement. With most of his victories coming in steeplechases – 22 of them, to be exact- he holds a higher win percentage than any other Festival jockey.
Taaffe’s most iconic moments came aboard the legendary Arkle, with whom he secured three consecutive Gold Cup victories in 1964, 1965, and 1966. Even after Arkle retired, Taaffe wasn’t done – he won the Gold Cup again in 1968 with Fort Leney. He shares the record as the jockey with the most Gold Cup wins (four) alongside Paul Townend.
His ability to judge a race and time his challenge to perfection made him one of the finest riders of his generation. More than 30 years after his passing in 1993, only a handful of jockeys have surpassed his Cheltenham tally – a testament to his enduring legacy.
Richard Johnson – 23 Cheltenham Festival Wins
Another jockey who made a lasting impact on the Cheltenham Festival is Richard Johnson. With 23 Festival wins, Johnson was a model of consistency, winning all four of the championship races at least once.
His most celebrated triumphs include:
Two Cheltenham Gold Cups (Looks Like Trouble, 2000 & Native River, 2018)
One Queen Mother Champion Chase (Flagship Uberalles, 2002)
One Champion Hurdle (Rooster Booster, 2003)
His Gold Cup win on Native River in 2018 was one of the Festival’s great moments – a thrilling battle in testing conditions where Johnson’s tactical nous and stamina came to the fore. His legacy at Cheltenham is defined by his sheer resilience and commitment to the sport, making him one of the most respected figures in National Hunt racing.
Who Could Join the Cheltenham Greats?
While the legends above have already secured their places in history, the current generation of jockeys is looking to carve out their legacies at the Festival. Riders such as Paul Townend, Rachael Blackmore, and Nico de Boinville are all adding to their growing lists of Cheltenham victories.
Paul Townend already ranks third in the all-time victories list at the age of 34, with the same number of Cheltenham wins, too. He has taken over as Willie Mullins’s stable jockey and won a joint-record four Gold Cups (2019, 2020, 2023, 2024). He is the bookies’ favourite for Gold Cup betting odds to take home a record-breaking fifth title riding Galopin Des Champs, which will cement his name into the long-standing prestige of the event.
Rachael Blackmore made history in 2021 as the first female rider to be crowned Leading Jockey at the Festival and backed it up by winning the Gold Cup in 2022 on A Plus Tard – the first female jockey to have won the race.
Nico de Boinville has already won multiple top races, including the Gold Cup (Coneygree, 2015) and Champion Hurdle (Constitution Hill, 2023). This year, he could add more winners to his 16-strong triumph list at the Festival.
With the 2025 Festival fast approaching, these riders will have another chance to add their names to the roll of honour and further challenge the records set by the legends before them.
At various points in his career, Kieren Fallon was stable jockey to three of the most successful trainers in the history of British racing, namely Sir Henry Cecil, Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O’Brien. He rode a total of over 2,500 winners, including 16 Classic winners, and won the jockeys’ title six times, in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2003.
The 2,000 Guineas and 1,000 Guineas are the first two Classics of the British Flat racing season. Both races are run over the Rowley Mile at Newmarket but, while the former is open to three-year-old colts and fillies, the latter is restricted to three-year-old fillies only. They are currently scheduled for consecutive days over the first weekend in May.
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival is set to get underway on Tuesday next week, and anticipation is building for another four days of top-class National Hunt racing. For jockeys, winning at Cheltenham is a career-defining achievement, with victories in the marquee races – such as the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, and Queen Mother Champion Chase – cementing their place in racing history.