Patrick James “Pat” Eddery(1952-2015) was an internationally popular Irish jockey and notable trainer. The eminent rider was made famous by, among other victories, riding three winners in the Epsom Derby. Eddery was also a champion jockey on eleven distinct occasions. With a total of 4,632 victories for British flat races, this iconic racing luminary’s record was only surpassed by Sir Gordon Richards, an equally renowned jockey who thrilled crowds throughout Europe.
Born in the southern suburbs of Ireland, as a young man Eddery spent most of his time around the Curragh racecourse. The fifth child of Jimmy Eddery, the father was also a popular Irish jockey in his prime. Eddery’s mother was the daughter of Jack Moylan, a retired horse man. As such, Pat Eddery’s career choice was largely informed by the horse racing passions of his parents and grandparents. Interestingly too, his wife’s brother (Paul) was also involved in racing, though he didn’t make a serious name for himself in the sport.
Establishing his riding career as an apprentice of the stable of Seamus McGrath, the sterling racer finally moved on to England where he became a protege to Frenchie Nicholson. Shortly after, the then young jockey won a major breakthrough on Alvaro at Epsom Downs Racecourse in 1969. Throughout his successful career, the Irish-born jockey clinched 11 championship titles within a period of less than four years. His last internationally recognised win came in 1996 as he attempted to reclaim his past riding glory.
Eddery also has a colorful training career record to his name. In 2005, and at the behest of his wife, the retired racing veteran launched a stable comprising 40 horses. At the Musk Hill Stud in Nether Winchendon, the former celebrated jockey received a license to train both horses and aspiring jockeys. Eddery’s newly founded racehorse syndicate gave interested sports investors the chance to own shares in these racehorses.
