Pat Eddery

Pat Eddery was a true titan of the turf, widely regarded as one of the greatest jockeys to ever grace the sport.

Over a monumental career spanning more than 35 years, the Irishman was crowned British Champion Flat Jockey an incredible 11 times, a record bettered only by Sir Gordon Richards. Known for his distinctive “bouncing” riding style and his uncanny ability to get a horse to run for him without appearing to exert much effort, Eddery was the ultimate professional, riding over 4,600 winners in Great Britain alone. 

His resume is a directory of racing’s most prestigious prizes. Eddery won 14 British Classics, including three Epsom Derbys aboard Grundy (1975), Golden Fleece (1982), and Quest for Fame (1990). However, he is perhaps most famously associated with the legendary Dancing Brave, whom he guided to a breathtaking victory in the 1986 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe—a performance often cited as one of the greatest in the history of Thoroughbred racing.

Eddery’s longevity and consistency were unmatched; he rode at least 100 winners in a season on 28 occasions. Beyond his tactical brilliance, he was admired for his quiet, humble demeanour and his “ice-cool” temperament in high-pressure situations