Famous British Jockeys

Dick Francis was a prominent British steeplechase jockey who transitioned into a successful career as a journalist and crime writer. He achieved great success in his jockey career, winning over 350 races and becoming champion jockey of the British National Hunt. He gained further renown as the jockey to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Francis later shifted his focus to writing novels centered around crime in the horse-racing world, with many of his books becoming international best-sellers.

Lester Piggott was an accomplished English professional jockey and trainer, known for his exceptional career in flat racing. He achieved 4,493 wins in Britain, including a record-breaking nine Epsom Derby victories. Renowned for his unique and imitated riding style, he was nicknamed "The Long Fellow." Piggott's competitive nature and dedication to maintaining his weight contributed to his success on the racetrack. Despite facing legal troubles, including a conviction for tax fraud in 1987, Piggott continued to leave a lasting legacy in the world of horse racing.

Hollie Doyle is a highly successful British jockey known for her achievements in flat racing. She made history by setting a new record for winners ridden in a British season by a female jockey in 2019. In 2020, she placed third in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award and was named The Sunday Times sportswoman of the year. Notably, in June 2022, she became the first female jockey to win a French Classic and a European Group 1 Classic with her victory in the Prix de Diane. Doyle also achieved joint second in the 2022 Flat Jockeys' Championship, marking the highest result for a woman to date.

Hayley Turner is a highly accomplished English jockey in flat racing, known for breaking barriers and achieving significant milestones in the sport. She made history in 2008 by becoming the first woman to ride 100 UK flat race winners in a calendar year. Throughout her career, Turner has secured eight Group race victories, including two Group 1 wins and a Grade 1 triumph. After retiring in 2015, she transitioned to a role as a respected commentator and analyst for ITV Racing before making a successful return to the track in 2018 with notable victories at Royal Ascot.

Bryony Frost is an accomplished English National Hunt jockey hailing from Buckfastleigh, Devon. In 2019, she made history by becoming the first female jockey to secure victory in a Grade 1 race at the prestigious Cheltenham Festival. Known for her skill, determination, and impressive performances on the track, Frost has garnered respect and admiration within the horse racing community. Her achievements serve as a testament to her talent and dedication to the sport, inspiring aspiring jockeys and fans alike.

Fred Archer, known as The Tin Man, was a highly acclaimed English flat race jockey of the Victorian era. He was regarded as the best all-round jockey in turf history, achieving remarkable success during his career. Archer held the title of Champion Jockey for 13 consecutive years, riding an impressive 2,748 winners from over 8,000 starts. He set records for the number of Champion Jockey titles, wins in a season, and total race wins, which remained unmatched for decades after his tragic death at a young age.

Josephine Gordon is a successful British jockey known for her achievements in Flat racing. She began her career with a slow start but quickly rose to prominence, winning the British flat racing Champion Apprentice title in 2016. Throughout her career, she has worked with various trainers and ridden for top organizations such as Godolphin Racing. Gordon has celebrated numerous victories, including winning big handicap races and group races. She has consistently increased her number of wins each year, solidifying her reputation in the racing world.

Greville Michael Wilson Starkey was an accomplished English jockey with a successful 33-year career on the flat. He rode nearly 2,000 winners, achieving notable victories in prestigious races such as The Derby, Irish Derby, Oaks, and 2,000 Guineas. Starkey was known for his Classic double-double in 1978 and his multiple wins in races like the Ascot Gold Cup and Eclipse Stakes. He was champion apprentice in 1957 and retired in 1989. Starkey passed away in 2010 at the age of 70.

Fred Winter was a highly successful British National Hunt racing figure, excelling both as a jockey and trainer. Notably, he achieved the unique feat of winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, and Grand National as both a jockey and trainer. Winter secured numerous victories, including four Grand National wins, and was renowned for his exceptional riding skills, as evidenced by his memorable triumph on Mandarin despite adversities. His training career at Uplands stables saw him secure multiple prestigious wins at the Cheltenham Festival and other notable races, solidifying his legacy as a Champion Trainer.

Michael Scudamore was an English National Hunt racing jockey in the 1950s and 1960s. He achieved success riding in 16 consecutive Grand Nationals, securing a victory on Oxo in 1959 and also riding the Gold Cup winner, Linwell, in 1957. Unfortunately, his riding career came to an end in 1966 after sustaining severe injuries from a fall at Wolverhampton. Despite this setback, Scudamore transitioned into a successful career as a trainer, leaving a lasting impact on the horse racing world.

David Nicholson was a prominent figure in British National Hunt horse racing, known for his dual roles as a successful jockey and trainer. He achieved significant recognition by being crowned British jump racing Champion Trainer in both the 1993–94 and 1994–95 seasons. Nicholson's expertise and skills in training and guiding horses for success in challenging jump races solidified his reputation as a talented and respected figure in the racing community. His contributions to the sport continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans and peers alike.

Bruce Robertson Hobbs was a prominent English jockey and racehorse trainer known for his remarkable achievements in horse racing. He gained recognition for becoming the youngest and tallest jockey to ride the winner of the English Grand National on Battleship in 1938. Hobbs continued his success by winning the Welsh Grand National on Timber Wolf shortly after. His career highlights include winning a total of three Grand Nationals in one year, showcasing his exceptional skills and talent in the world of horse racing.