IRELAND is a country known for many things, from its nightlife in its authentic pubs and its world-renowned Guinness to the stunning natural landscapes. It’s also showing growth in the entertainment industries as showcased by the strong Irish live casino gaming community. But what not everyone knows is that its horses are also famous worldwide.

The climate and soil are ideal for raising sturdy, healthy, and competitive horses, while the oldest race track dates back to 1685. These are some of the most successful Irish jockeys to hit the tracks.

Kieren Fallon

Although retired, Kieren Fallon remains one of Ireland’s most celebrated jockeys. Born in the small village of Crusheen, Fallon’s impressive career spanned decades, boasted 2,253 wins, and saw him hold the position of British Champion Jockey six times. He is famed as an excellent flat-racing jockey with a record few can match.

In 2014, Fallon claimed first place in the 2,000 Guineas with horse Night of Thunder. It was his first classic victory in eight years.

Mick Kinane

After racing professionally for 34 years, Mick Kinane retired in December 2009. His prolific career included four wins at the 2,000 Guineas, three at The Derby, four in Breeders' Cup races, and victories around the world, from Australia to the United States.

Since first coming to prominence in 1982, Kinane has been Irish Champion Jockey 13 times. His father was leading National Hunt jockey Tommy Kinane, who won the Champion Hurdle at Monksfield.

Davy Russell

Hailing from Youghal, County Cork, Davy Russell is a National Hunt jockey with a wealth of titles under his belt.

Russell has been the Irish jump racing Champion Jockey three times and has claimed first place at the Grand National twice, as well as the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris.

After first winning a point-to-point race in 1999, Russell moved to Yorkshire, England, in 2002, where he trained with fellow Irishman Ferdy Murphy and competed at Sedgefield.

Ruby Walsh

Ruby Walsh of Kill, County Kildare, is a former Irish jockey with over 2,700 career wins. Walsh retired from horse racing in 2019 after riding Kemboy to victory in the Punchestown Gold Cup, his 213th Grade 1 victory.

He began competing in 1996 at age 18, winning the Irish amateur title twice and turning professional a couple of years later. An accomplished jockey, Walsh amazed everyone when he won the English Grand National on his first attempt in 2000 at the age of 20.

Pat Eddery

Pat Eddery tragically passed away in 2015, aged 63, following an unparalleled career as a jockey. Eddery is the only racer on this list to have been awarded an OBE, and his record is astonishing. He rode three winners of The Derby, was Champion Jockey 1 times, and rode the winners of an incredible 4,632 British flat races; a record surpassed only by the legendary Sir Gordon Richards. Born and raised in Newbridge, Country Kildare, Eddery began training and competing in England in 1967, claiming his first success in 1969 at Epsom Downs.

Conclusion

These are five of Ireland’s most famous and successful jockeys. We could've mentioned many others, such as Rachael Blackmore, Willie Mullins, Pat Smullen, and Barry Geraghty, though these are the most celebrated. The Irish horse racing community continues to thrive, and newcomers are constantly joining the fray. Keep an eye out, as the next big champion could be right around the corner.