Legendary jockey Pat Eddery dies, aged 63

Originally from County Kildare in Ireland, Eddery was crowned champion jockey in Ireland in 1982, 27 years after his father Jimmy had won the title for the second time.

One of the world’s most famous jockeys Pat Eddery has died.

Five-times champion jockey Willie Carson said he was devastated to learn of the death of his friend.

However, his display aboard Dancing courageous in the 1986 Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe in one of the best fields assembled was one of the most memorable of his career. “Everyone here is very shocked and saddened by it”.

“He spanned the greatest era for jockeys ever. Lester Piggott, Steve Cauthen, Willie Carson, all were exceptional yet Pat’s ability was unquestioned”.

Eddery’s illustrious career saw him win 4,632 British Flat races. Only Sir Gordon Richards has ridden more winners in Britain.

He won three Derbys aboard Grundy, Golden Fleece and Quest For Fame, as well as the winners of 11 other British Classics.

“We travelled together. He was a good, fun guy and very generous”.

Jockey Dougie Costello, who is also a columnist for The Irish Post, said that Eddery would be remembered for his unique style.

Clive Brittain trained Pebbles and used Eddery when he was an up-and-coming apprentice.

“I was 13 when I first met Pat and he was first jockey to Peter Walwyn. Whatever happened in the race Pat would adjust to and I’ll miss him greatly”.

Twenty-times champion jump jockey Tony McCoy described him as a “true genius in the saddle”.

“When he was on a horse he always did the right thing and got horses running for him”. “Everybody looked up to him in the weigh room, real pro and a gentleman RIP”.

Jockeys held a minute’s silence in his honour before racing at Lingfield.