ELEVEN-TIME FLAT champion jockey Pat Eddery has died at the age of 63, the racing manager for owner Prince Khalid Abdullah announced on Tuesday.
Eddery won over 4,600 races before retiring in 2003, including four Prix de l’Arc de Triomphes and three Derbys, making him one of the greatest jockeys of all time.
“It is extremely sad news,” said Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to Juddmonte owner Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. “Everyone at Juddmonte is very shocked and saddened by it.
“He spanned the greatest era for jockeys ever. Lester Piggott, Steve Cauthen, Willie Carson, all were exceptional, yet Pat’s ability was unquestioned.”
In total Eddery triumphed in 14 British Classics, including three Derbys aboard Grundy (1975), Golden Fleece (1982) and Quest For Fame (1990).
Perhaps his finest hour came aboard Dancing Brave in the 1986 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, when he made a late charge down the centre of the track to snatch a sensational victory against a glittering field.
He achieved other memorable successes with Pebbles at the Breeders’ Cup, Silver Patriarch in the St Leger, which gave him his 4,000th win, and Zafonic in the 2000 Guineas.
“It’s very sad,” said Eddery’s former rival Bruce Raymond. “He’d been unwell for a long time. I just knew him as a good, fun guy. Everybody knows he was a great jockey.
“We used to play cards and have lots of fun. I can’t imagine anyone being in his company and not enjoying it.
“He was blooming tough to ride against and cool. He was ultra-competitive. He would beat you in a photograph and laugh about it afterwards.”
Eddery became a trainer after retiring and saw Hearts Of Fire claim a Group One victory in Italy.
(C) AFP 2015
Very sad news. Was a great jockey.
As a kid il never forget Pat on El Gran Señor and Christy Roche on Secreto battling it out at Epsom in the Derby,the 2 horses trained by father and son .
Ar dheis de go raibh ar h’anam dilis
One of the greatest.
May you rest in peace Pat. He was my favourite jockey of all time many a bicycle race home was won by imitating his style. Grundy V Bustino and Dancing Brave in the arc were just 2 of the magic moments in a great career.!
A great jockey. RIP Pat.
Spitting image of Willie Mullins nearly, RIP.. fab jockey
He hadn’t looked well anytime I seen him on tv in recent months, what did he die of suopernova the media are not reporting on the cause of death?.
I got into horse racing during the early eighties when Pat was in his prime.
Legend is an understatement…that ride in Damcing Brave in the Arc was sublime!!