Top 5 Best Jockeys of all time

Horse racing has produced some of the greatest sporting figures in history, with legendary jockeys achieving remarkable success across generations.

From the historic venues of Britain such as Ascot Racecourse, Aintree Racecourse and Epsom Downs Racecourse to the world’s biggest meetings in America, Ireland, France and beyond, the sport has seen countless riders create unforgettable moments.

Jockeys play one of the most important roles in racing, combining skill, bravery and tactical awareness to guide some of the greatest horses ever seen. While it is almost impossible to rank the best riders of all time, a select few have consistently stood above the rest thanks to their achievements, longevity and influence on the sport.

Here are five of the greatest jockeys in horse racing history.

5 – Bill Shoemaker

Here is a video of the legendary jockey’s final ever race (Via ‘Horse Racing’ on YouTube):

American jockey Bill Shoemaker remains one of the most successful riders the sport has ever produced.

During an incredible 41-year career, Shoemaker recorded 8,833 victories and became one of the most recognisable figures in American racing. Known for his calm style and exceptional tactical ability, he competed at the highest level from the 1950s through to the late 1980s.

Among his greatest achievements were four victories in the Kentucky Derby, five Belmont Stakes wins and two Preakness Stakes successes. He also won the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 1987 aboard Ferdinand, defeating Alysheba in one of the most memorable races in American racing history.

Shoemaker retired from riding in 1989 after building a career that placed him among the all-time greats.

4 – Frankie Dettori

On 28th August 1996, the Italian Jockey made history by winning all seven races on the card that day at Royal Ascot that year. Re-live all of this extraordinary feat below (via Ascot Racecourse on YouTube):

Few jockeys have become as synonymous with horse racing as Frankie Dettori.

The Italian rider has enjoyed a career spanning more than three decades, creating some of the most memorable moments in modern racing. His most famous achievement came in 1996 when he won all seven races on the card at Royal Ascot, a feat that became known as the “Magnificent Seven”.

Dettori has enjoyed success all over the world, including multiple victories in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, making him the most successful jockey in the history of Europe’s most famous flat race.

Throughout his career, he has partnered some of racing’s greatest horses, including Enable, Stradivarius and Golden Horn.

After ending his long association with British racing in 2023, Dettori continued his career in the United States, adding further major victories to an already remarkable legacy.

3 – Ruby Walsh

Take a look at some of Ruby Walsh’s best ever wins at the legendary Cheltenham Festival from across his extraordinary career below (via The Jockey Club on YouTube):

Ruby Walsh is regarded as one of the greatest National Hunt jockeys of all time.

The Irishman enjoyed a glittering career over jumps, winning more than 2,500 races and establishing himself as the leading rider of his generation.

Walsh’s record at the Cheltenham Festival remains one of the most impressive in racing history. He holds the record for the most Festival victories by a jockey, with 59 wins across the famous meeting.

His biggest successes included two Cheltenham Gold Cups, three Champion Hurdles and four Champion Chases, while he also won the Grand National aboard Papillon in 2000.

Walsh retired in 2019 after securing his 213th Grade One victory, ending a career that cemented his place among jump racing’s greatest riders.

2 – Lester Piggott

Here are some of Lester Piggott’s most legendary wins across his highly illustrious career in the iconic Epsom Derby (via The Jockey Club on YouTube):

Lester Piggott is one of the most famous names in the history of flat racing.

Known as “The Long Fellow”, Piggott enjoyed a career lasting more than four decades and became one of the most successful jockeys ever to compete in Britain.

He won the Epsom Derby a record nine times, while also claiming victories in every British Classic. His remarkable list of achievements included five 2,000 Guineas wins, two 1,000 Guineas victories, six Oaks successes and eight St Leger wins.

Piggott also won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and enjoyed success in major races around the world.

By the time he retired in 1995, he had recorded more than 5,300 victories, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of jockeys.

1 – Sir Anthony McCoy

Re-live some of McCoy’s best wins at the Cheltenham Festival below (via The Jockey Club on YouTube):

At the top of the list is Sir Anthony McCoy, widely regarded as one of the greatest jump jockeys in history.

McCoy dominated National Hunt racing for more than two decades, winning the Champion Jockey title 20 consecutive times between 1995 and 2015.

During his career, he achieved more than 4,300 victories and became the first jockey to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2010.

His Cheltenham Festival record includes 31 victories, with notable wins in the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Cheltenham Gold Cup. He also achieved one of racing’s biggest prizes when winning the Grand National abroad Don’t Push It in 2010.

McCoy’s incredible consistency, determination and longevity made him one of the most respected figures the sport has ever produced, and his influence continues long after his retirement.

Who could join horse racing’s greatest-ever jockeys?

The debate over the greatest jockey of all time will continue for generations, with riders from different eras achieving extraordinary success in their own ways.

Modern stars continue to build their legacies, while established names such as Dettori, McCoy, Walsh, Piggott and Shoemaker remain firmly among racing’s most celebrated figures.

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