The Most Famous Irish Jockey, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the jockey you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 9, 2024 07:10

When delving into the world of horse racing, the skill and notoriety of jockeys can significantly influence the sport's dynamics and outcomes. In Ireland, a country renowned for its strong equestrian heritage, determining which jockey stands out from the rest holds particular interest. This list aims to gather community opinions to highlight those who have made significant impacts in the racing scene. By participating in this voting process, you contribute to a more accurate reflection of community sentiment regarding these athletes. Your input helps ensure that outstanding performances and consistent achievements are recognized. Whether you're an avid horse racing fan or new to the sport, your votes play an integral part in celebrating the dedication and skill of these professionals.

Who Is the Most Famous Irish Jockey?

1

40
votes

The colonel of the lamb · CC BY-SA 3.0

Ruby Walsh

Walsh is one of the most successful Irish jockeys of all time, with over 1900 wins to his name. He has won many major races, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and is known for his partnership with the legendary horse Kauto Star.
2

22
votes
Tony McCoy

McCoy is another hugely successful Irish jockey, with over 4300 career wins. He has won every major race in the sport, including the Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2010.
Tony McCoy in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous jockey of all time
3

17
votes
Paul Friel from Guildford, UK · CC BY 2.0

Frankie Dettori

Although born in Italy, Dettori has spent much of his career riding in the UK and Ireland. He has won over 3000 races, including many major events such as the Epsom Derby and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and is known for his flamboyant riding style.
Frankie Dettori in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous jockey of all time
4

26
votes

Rudolph.A.furtado · Public domain

Pat Eddery

Eddery was one of the most successful jockeys of the 20th century, with over 4000 wins to his name. He won the Epsom Derby three times and was known for his exceptional riding skills and tactical nous.
5

10
votes

Mick Kinane

Kinane rode many of the top horses of his era, including the likes of Galileo and Sea The Stars. He won most of the major races in the UK and Ireland, as well as several international events, and was considered one of the most stylish jockeys of his time.
6

8
votes
Ragge Strand · CC BY 4.0

Lester Piggott

Piggott is one of the most legendary jockeys in the history of the sport. He won a record-breaking nine Epsom Derbies and was known for his incredible riding skill and tactical ability. He remains a revered figure in racing circles to this day.
Lester Piggott in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous jockey of all time
7

4
votes

Cake6 (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0

Johnny Murtagh

Murtagh had a successful career as a jockey, winning many major races including the Irish Derby and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. He has since become a successful trainer, with several notable wins to his name.
8

8
votes

Richard Dunwoody

Dunwoody was a highly successful jockey, winning over 1700 races in his career. He won the Grand National twice and was known for his fearless riding style and determination.
9

8
votes

RacingKel · CC BY 2.0

Kieren Fallon

Fallon was one of the most successful jockeys of his generation, winning many major races including six Epsom Derbies. He was known for his ability to get the best out of difficult horses and was widely regarded as one of the toughest competitors in the sport.
10

7
votes

Citrus Zest · Public domain

Paul Carberry

Carberry was a talented and popular jockey who won many major races in both Ireland and the UK. He was known for his fearless riding style and his ability to form strong partnerships with his horses.

Missing your favorite jockey?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for famous jockey

Popularity

The level of the jockey's popularity among fans, both in Ireland and around the world, is another significant factor. This could be due to their personality, charisma, or media presence.
Professional Conduct

The jockey's professional conduct, including their discipline, sportsmanship, and integrity, should be taken into account.
Awards and Honours

An individual jockey's list of awards, accolades, and honours is also important in assessing their ranking.
Contribution to Horse Racing

The contribution that the jockey has made to the sport of horse racing, both on and off the track, should be considered. This could include their involvement in horse racing charities, breeding, or other activities that support the industry.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Irish jockey. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Rider is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

3082 views
150 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Rider once every 24 hours. The rank of each Rider is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous irish jockey

Ireland is known for producing some of the world's most talented jockeys, with a rich history of horse racing and a strong culture of horsemanship. The country has produced numerous legendary jockeys over the years, but one name stands out as the most famous - Lester Piggott. Born in Wantage, England in 1935, Piggott began his career as a jockey at the age of 12 and quickly gained a reputation as a gifted rider. He rode his first winner at the age of 16 and went on to win countless races and championships over the course of his career. Piggott is particularly renowned for his success in the Irish Derby, which he won an incredible nine times. He also won the Epsom Derby a record-breaking nine times, and was the British Champion Jockey 11 times. Despite retiring from racing in 1985, Piggott's legacy lives on as one of the greatest jockeys of all time, and a true icon of the sport. Today, there are many talented Irish jockeys following in his footsteps, including Ruby Walsh, Davy Russell, and Paul Townend, among others.