Pat Eddery (1952–2015) was one of the greatest flat racing jockeys, celebrated for his tactical acumen, composure, and fierce determination. Born in Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland, into a racing dynasty—his father Jimmy was a champion jockey, and grandfather Jack Moylan a noted rider—Eddery was immersed in the sport from childhood. He began riding ponies at age four and racehorses by eight, leaving school early to apprentice with Seamus McGrath before moving to England under "Frenchie" Nicholson.
His 36-year career (1967–2003) started slowly, with his first winner on Alvaro at Epsom in 1969. Retained by Peter Walwyn from 1972, Eddery won his first British Classic on Polygamy (1974 Oaks) and became Champion Jockey that year—the youngest since WWII at 22. He claimed four straight titles (1974–1977).
Key triumphs included three Epsom Derbys: Grundy (1975), whose King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes duel with Bustino became the "Race of the Century"; Golden Fleece (1982); and Quest For Fame (1990). Eddery secured 14 British Classics and four Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe wins: Detroit (1980), Rainbow Quest (1985), Dancing Brave (1986—often called his masterpiece), and Trempolino (1987). Global highlights featured Pebbles' 1985 Breeders' Cup Turf (Britain's first) and Jupiter Island's 1986 Japan Cup.
Eddery rode 4,632 British winners—second only to Sir Gordon Richards—and over 6,000 worldwide, earning 11 Champion Jockey crowns (adding 1986, 1988–1991, 1993, 1996). Nicknamed "Polyfilla" for squeezing through tight gaps and praised for powerful finishes, he rivaled Lester Piggott, who commended his superior tactics.
Post-retirement in 2003, Eddery trained with limited success. Honored with an OBE in 2005, he died aged 63. His enduring legacy includes induction into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame (2021) and the renaming of Ascot's Winkfield Stakes to the Pat Eddery Stakes in 2016, affirming his status as a racing icon.
Visite médicale de licence validée. @PCBOUDOT fera son retour samedi à Compiègne sur un cheval appartenant en partie à sa mère et à sa soeur, entraîné par @EcurieSeror. Il sera aussi en selle le lendemain à Chantilly.
Welcome back PC
🇫🇷 Christopher Head trainee Nighttime (Wootton Bassett) remains firmly on course for next month's G1 Prix Jean Prat after overcoming eight foes in Sunday's G2 Prix Paul de Moussac at ParisLongchamp.
O/B- Wertheimer et Frere https://t.co/47qZ6CsQLy
🍼 LOUVE STORY, by @DarleyEurope DUBAWI from LOUVE NATIONALE, has had a filly by @AgaKhanstuds SIYOUNI on March 2, 2026 born in Ireland 🇮🇪
💙🩵 LOUVE STORY, sister of G3 winner & G1 placed LIGNE D'OR ( dam of ZARA & ORACLE ), sold by Diane Wildenstein to Wertheimer et frère
Breaking: Pierre-Charles Boudot has been acquitted of all charges relating to an allegation of rape in 2021.
Florence Gaudillière, lawyer for Pierre-Charles Boudot, said: "We have always fought to have his innocence recognised and that has finally been achieved."
OTD 1993 Henry Cecil-trained Commander in Chief (Mick Kinane) won the Derby by 3.5 lengths from Blue Judge (Bruce Raymond) with Blues Traveller (Darryll Holland) a further 2.5 lengths in 3rd. The Chief's stablemate Tenby (Pat Eddery) 4/5 fav, finished 10th. 🏇🏆 #RacingMemories
🗣️ "He's got two speeds mate - slow & very fast." 🤣
@JohnnyMurtagh on the wonder from Down Under Choisir's victories in both the King's Stand & Golden Jubilee in 2003
#RacingGreats | @RishiPersad1
🗣️ "I knew, I'm going to win the Derby."
@JohnnyMurtagh on the brilliant Sinndar who won the Epsom & Irish Derbies along with the Arc in 2000
#RacingGreats | @RishiPersad1