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Irish Jockeys - Top Irish Flat and Jump Jockeys | LeoVegas

Top Irish jockeys - flat and jump jockeys from Ireland

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Whether you’re a fan of jumps racing, where horses take on obstacles of all shapes and sizes, or your favour the fast and furious action of flat racing, there are many Irish jockeys who have made their career by winning the biggest and most well-known races across the Irish circuit and within the UK. These Irish jockeys are some of the most iconic in the sport, and if you’re looking for these riders when browsing a racecard, we’ve indicated who you should be keeping your eyes peeled for.

The Irish Jockeys of the Moment

Depending on where you are in the racing season, there are specific names that will stand out from the rest. For example, Paul Townend is the current Irish Champion jumps jockey following his performances at Cheltenham, Punchestown, and Leopardstown. However, on the other hand, when it comes to flat racing, the accolade falls to Colin Keane, who is the man to beat on both the turf and the all-weather.

But whichever format of Irish horse racing you choose to follow, there will be many contenders you can find in all the categories, and we’ve selected the names of Irish jockeys to look out for.

Top Irish flat jockeys

Irish jockeys perform well both on grass and all-weather surfaces. You will often see them on the podium.

Colin Keane

The current flat champion jockey in Ireland is Colin Keane. Born in County Meath, the 28-year-old has won many Irish accolades, including three of the Irish classics, the most recent being the Irish derby in 2022. His stats show 92 wins and 171 place finishes in 2022. He’s continued that form across the all-weather races with 18 victories, and he will be looking to continue that strong form into 2023

Top Irish jump jockeys

When it comes to jumping racing, Irish jockeys dominate the results of some of the biggest races, including the Champion Hurdle and the Grand National. Of course, riding a winner is a team sport, and without the right trainer and horse, the jockeys we've listed below wouldn't have enjoyed as much success in both Ireland and the UK.

Paul Townend

If you're familiar with the Cheltenham Festival or the Punchestown Festival in Ireland, then Paul Townend will be a name you'll hear many times. The current Irish jump racing Champion Jockey, Townend, has held the crown for the last four seasons by winning races such as the Irish Gold Cup, Mares Champion Hurdle, and the Punchestown Champion Chase. He cemented his place this year with a winning ride on Galopin De Champs in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, which was his third victory in the race.

Davy Russell

Another name that is synonymous with big race winners in both Ireland and the UK is Davy Russell. Winner of the Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cup, and many others at the Festival, he is a featured rider for trainer Gordon Elliott.

Top Irish female jockeys

As well as the male Irish jockeys who get their recognition across Ireland and in some of the UK's biggest races, female jockeys have proved they can beat the boys and take the top races.

Rachael Blackmore

When it comes to Irish jockeys, none is more famous than Racheal Blackmore. A name that partners many horses from trainer Henry De Bromhead, Blackmore has enjoyed a successful career and managed to become the first female jockey to win The Grand National with Minella Times. The following season her success continued as she managed to win the Champion Hurdle and the Cup at Cheltenham.

Best Irish jockeys of all time

Although young guns lead the way in Irish racing, there are many Irish jockeys who have stellar careers, and some of those are still prominent figures within the Irish horse racing

Ruby Walsh

When it comes to Irish jump racing, one name which is synonymous with the sport is Ruby Walsh. During his 24-year career, Ruby Walsh won almost every accolade that is on offer in both Ireland and the UK. These include the Irish Grand National and many races at Cheltenham, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Alongside these many accolades, he was named Irish Champion jockey on 12 occasions and was named leading jockey at Cheltenham Festival on 11 occasions.

Mick Kinane

If you prefer flat racing, there is one prolific jockey from Ireland who stands out from the rest, and that is Mick or Michael Kinane. Retiring in 2009 after a 34-year career, Kinane made his name as the stable jockey for Aidan O’Brien and John Oxx, where he was able to ride multiple winners in Grade 1 races across the globe, including the Melbourne Cup and Belmont Stakes. If you’re looking at his British and Irish wins, then its the Derby, 2000 Guineas, and the Ascot Gold Cup which stand out in the list with horses such as Yeats, Sea The Stars, and King of Kings

Kieren Fallon

As part of an illustrious racing career, Kieren Fallon enjoyed many successes aboard horses trained by Aiden O'Brien. His major wins include horses such as Virginia Waters, George Washington, and Dylan Thomas. But he also managed to pick up victories riding in both France and Dubai before his retirement from racing.

Pat Smullen

Before we complete our list of best Irish jockeys, there is one that we can’t fail to mention, and that is Pat Smullen. A former Irish flat champion jockey who won the title nine times, Smullen also enjoyed victories in Espom Derby and Irish Derby. Amassing a total of 1,845 winners in Ireland and 47 in Britain, many of which included Group 1 contests, Pat Smullen sadly passed away in 2020 following a battle with illness.

That's it. Now you have the list of some of the biggest names in Irish horse racing. Check out our Best Irish Racecourses Guide as well!