5 Greatest Flat Jockeys

Here in no particular order, and trying not to talk through my pocket too much, are the top 5 flat jockeys I have seen ride in my lifetime.

1. Pat Eddery – with his own inimitable style Eddery was a fantastic all-rounder, great from the front and terrific when galvanising a strong late burst, most famously when swooping past the whole field in the 1986 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

2. Lester Piggott – His record speaks for itself and, although I only saw him after his prime, Piggott’s natural talent and impeccable timing is stuff of legend.

3. Mick Kinane – This ultimate professional had a prolific career that spanned 34 years. Kinane had an unerring knack of being in the right place at the right time during a race; even if his mount didn’t prevail they would have every assistance possible from the saddle.

4. Michael Roberts – The cheeky South African had an effortless style in the saddle and lit up British racecourses during the eighties and early nineties and indeed became Champion Jockey in 1992.

5. Jimmy Fortune – A surprising inclusion to many but the incredibly strong Fortune has been lifting horses over the line to win in tight finishes for years now. He’s no one trick pony either as he is also a brilliant judge of pace, superbly illustrated when winning the Sussex Stakes on Court Masterpiece in 2006.