by Jeff Watters
Illustrious jockeys are integral to the essence of equestrian racing. Assessing their triumphs, however, remains highly subjective. Various lenses exist through which to discern who the “supreme” horse jockey might be without ever truly resolving the debate.
In the same way that assessing the best jockey in equestrian racing can be subjective, choosing the right 1xbet casino bonus depends on a player’s individual preferences. With a variety of bonuses available, from welcome offers to free spins, players can select the one that best enhances their gaming experience. Just as each jockey brings their unique skillset to the race, each bonus offers distinct advantages for online casino enthusiasts.
One criterion for ranking celebrated jockeys is the prize money accrued. Another is the sheer number of victories they have amassed. Considerations of career longevity, international victories in prestigious events, and forming unforgettable alliances with renowned racehorses are equally significant. Comparing jockeys from disparate eras, regions, and styles is perpetually challenging. Those who bet on horses can use these factors in their betting strategies, adding another layer of complexity to the sport.
Nonetheless, we endeavored to compile a list. With honorable mentions to Eddie Arcaro, Javier Castellano, Pat Day, and Chris McCarron, here is our compilation of the top 10 jockeys of all time.
10. Ruby Walsh
Ruby Walsh: the rider boasting the most victories in Cheltenham Festival chronicles.
Born: 05/14/1979
Country: Republic of Ireland
Career Wins: 2,770+
Grade/Group 1 Win: 213
Earnings: €24,000,000+
A 12-time Irish champion jumps jockey, Ruby Walsh retired in 2019 as the rider with the most wins in Cheltenham Festival history. His remarkable 59 race victories at this preeminent event in British Isles National Hunt racing made him a top jockey at the Festival 11 times. Walsh is celebrated for his enduring relationships with champion trainers Paul Nicholls in the UK and Willie Mullins in Ireland. Notable race partnerships include Hurricane Fly and Kauto Star, who reclaimed the Champion Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup, respectively, to thunderous applause. Walsh also triumphed in the Grand National twice – aboard Papillon for his father, Ted Walsh, in 2000 and Hedgehunter for Mullins in 2005.
9. Russell Baze
Russell Baze has nearly 13,000 career victories.
Born: 08/07/1958
Country: Canada
Career Wins: 12,842
Earnings: $199,334,219
Although Russell Baze might not command the same profile as others on this list, no professional rider can claim more race wins. With close to 13,000 triumphs at nearly a 25 percent strike rate, his record is extraordinary. While his resume lacks major victories in the US Triple Crown or Breeders’ Cup, Baze’s inclusion is merited. Born in Canada to an American family, he is a 10-time American champion jockey by most winners. His most notable equine partner was Lost in the Fog, the 2005 US champion sprinter.
8. Sir Tony McCoy
AP McCoy is often heralded as the most prolific and finest National Hunt jockey of modern times.
Born: 05/04/1975
Country: Republic of Ireland
Career Wins: 4,358
Grade/Group 1 Wins: 105
Earnings: £40,000,000+
A record 20-time British champion jumps jockey in successive years, McCoy’s indomitable drive to win was unmatched. He set a new benchmark for most National Hunt winners in a single season in 2001-02, with 289 victories in that illustrious campaign. Known for his association with trainer Martin Pipe, he later became the retained rider for prominent Irish owner JP McManus, ensuring numerous significant rides. No jumps jockey in British history has more wins than McCoy. His notable equine partnerships include Brave Inca, Binocular, and the 2010 Grand National winner Don’t Push It.
7. Laffit Pincay, Jr.
Laffit Pincay, Jr. ruled the racetracks during the 1970s.
Born: 12/29/1946
Country: Panama
Career Wins: 9,530
Breeders’ Cup Wins: 7
Earnings: $237,120,625
Second on America’s all-time list of winningmost jockeys is Laffit Pincay, Jr. A seven-time champion jockey in terms of prize money, he was dominant in the early 1970s and had the most wins in 1971. Pincay Jr. achieved US Triple Crown glory with Affirmed in 1978. A Hall of Famer, he began his career in Panama before achieving greatness in America. His record 9,530 career wins made him the most successful jockey until surpassed by Baze.
6. Frankie Dettori
There is no greater global star in horse racing than Lanfranco “Frankie” Dettori.
Born: 12/15/1970
Country: Italy
Career Wins: 3,000+
Grade/Group 1 Wins: Over 250
Earnings: £155,000,000+
Frankie Dettori, known for his exuberant flying dismounts, has a 20-year association with the influential Godolphin operation. His career, still ongoing, includes numerous achievements. Dettori has ridden the most winners of France’s premier race, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, with six victories. He has formed notable partnerships with horses such as Stradivarius, Enable, Golden Horn, Authorized, Shamardal, and Singspiel. Dettori has also been the UK champion Flat jockey three times.
5. Mike E. Smith
Mike E. Smith exemplifies that age is but a number.
Born: 08/10/1965
Country: USA
Career Wins: 5,559
Breeders’ Cup Wins: 26
Earnings: $328,329,509
Mike Smith, proof that age is no obstacle to success, partnered with Justify at 52 to claim the US Triple Crown in 2018, a highlight of his career. Smith has also won 26 races at the Breeders’ Cup, a premier Flat thoroughbred meeting in America. His high-profile equine partners include Arrogate. Smith surpassed Jerry Bailey in late 2019 to set the record for the most American Grade 1 victories in the saddle.
4. Sir Gordon Richards
Sir Gordon Richards, a 26-time champion jockey.
Born: 05/05/1904
Died: 11/10/1986
Country: UK
Career Wins: 4,870
British Classic Wins: 14
Any list of distinguished jockeys must include Sir Gordon Richards, a 26-time champion. Although not as prolific in the British Classics as some, his record of sustained success is unparalleled. Richards transitioned to a successful trainer after his riding career, with his son Nicky still running stables at Penrith. Notable partnerships included Sun Chariot and Tudor Minstrel from the 1940s.
3. John R. Velazquez
John R. Velazquez has amassed millions in career earnings.
Born: 11/24/1971
Country: Puerto Rico
Career Wins: 6,165
Breeders’ Cup Wins: 16
Earnings: $415,609,389
John Velazquez, who has garnered more prize money than any jockey globally, continues to excel. With over $415,000,000 in earnings and 6,000 victories, Velazquez seeks the elusive Preakness Stakes win for a career Triple Crown. He has twice topped the prize money charts in America. Notable equine partners include Kitten’s Joy and Scat Daddy, both influential sires.
2. Lester Piggott
Lester Piggott holds numerous records.
Born: 11/05/1935
Country: UK
Career Wins: 4,493
British Classic Wins: 30
Earnings: N/A
Lester Piggott, “The Long Fellow,” is second on our list due to his sustained success across the UK, Ireland, and internationally. His riding style has been emulated since. Piggott’s 30 British Classics include the 1970 UK Triple Crown with Nijinsky. An 11-time UK champion Flat jockey, Piggott’s record includes the most wins in the Epsom Derby and several other prestigious races.
1. Bill Shoemaker
The unparalleled Bill Shoemaker.
Born: 08/10/1931
Died: 10/12/2003
Country: USA
Career Wins: 8,883
Earnings: $123,375,524 (jockey), $3,700,000+ (trainer)
Arguably the greatest jockey ever, Bill Shoemaker’s 11 US Triple Crown wins are remarkable, despite never achieving all three in one season. With over 21 percent of his rides resulting in wins, Shoemaker topped earnings charts ten times in his career. A five-time US champion jockey, he transitioned to a successful trainer, earning more than triple his riding earnings. Shoemaker’s legacy as an all-time great is irrefutable.
Leave a Reply