Former champion jockey Pat Eddery dies

Pat Eddery, one of the most successful jockeys of all time, has died at the age of 63.

Exciting wins

Pat was champion Flat jockey 11 times and rode more than 4,600 winners, including 14 British Classics.

One of his most exciting wins was with Dancing Brave in the 1986 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. They weren’t even in the top 10 with 200m left to go, but came thundering down the home straight to win by a length and a half. He won the premier French race a total of four times.

Born in County Kildare, Ireland on 18 March 1952 Pat was the fifth child of Jimmy Eddery, who won the Irish Derbyin 1955.

‘Sad day’

Pat jockey retired in 2003 and was awarded an OBE in 2005. He got his training license the same year and set up a stable of 40 horses at Musk Hill Stud in Nether Winchendon, nearAylesbury. His brother Paul was assistant trainer.

Pat had been suffering from ill health for some time before he passed away yesterday (10 November).

Tributes have poured in for the much-loved racing legend. The Professional Jockey’s Association (PJA) said that it was a “hugely sad day” for the sport of racing.

‘Great jockey’

“Pat was a truly great jockey in every way,” said Steve Drowne PJA joint president. “He was the man we all aspired to be in the saddle. Everyone looked up to him in the weighing room. Just a great person to be around. A professional’s professional.”

Chairman of the PJA Nigel Payne said Pat “quite the joker”, often winding up fellow jockeys, which included Lester Piggott.

“He was terrific company and in more recent years whenever I have bumped into Pat he has always greeted me with a warm smile,” he said. “A lovely guy and his premature passing really saddens me.”

‘Unique style’

According to PJA executive director (racing) and former jockey Dale Gibson, Pat had a distinctive technique in the saddle.

“He developed his own unique style which some tried to copy but rarely replicated, his hands were silk, his whip action perfection,” he said. “He never seemed to fluster or show any sign of nerves, whatever the circumstances.

“He was the master tactician whilst everyone else was the apprentice; the model for all to aspire too.”