In the exciting world of horse racing, jockeys are the champions, directing their horses to the winner's enclosure. Over time, some jockeys have emerged as better than others in skill, ability, and achievement. In this article, we recognise the top 10 best jockeys of all time, reviewing their great careers and the championships they won while in the saddle.
Before going into the list, it is helpful to understand what differentiates well from great. A great jockey will be balanced, precise, and courageous. They will know all of their horses' strengths, feel the race's rhythm, and make instantaneous decisions that can define victory or defeat.
Winning is more than strength; it is trust, a rider and horse instinctively trusting each other while maintaining control.
Flat racing is all about speed, timing, and tactics. These riders became masters on a flat, smooth track, turning races into art.
Considered to be one of the best jockeys of all time, Sir Gordon Richards achieved a staggering 4,870 victories. He set a standard that none could match, winning the title of British Champion Jockey 26 times. It is a record that remains contested to this day. Richards was even able to establish an early lead before the introduction of starting gates. He was knighted for his dedication to the sport, the only flat jockey to accomplish such a feat.
Lester Piggott had a racing career that lasted more than four decades and is a pure class icon in racing. Piggott registered 4,493 victories, and was crowned Champion Jockey on 11 occasions; his elegance, balance and tactical skill were unmatched.
He is still the only jockey to win the Epsom Derby 9 times, and his multiple statues at Britain's prominent racecourses are an enduring reminder of his great and successful career.
Frankie Dettori is known as horse racing's superstar showman. His showy flying dismount and his endless charisma have made him a global fan favorite.
He has over 3,300 wins, with multiple victories in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and Royal Ascot throughout his career, and he has been a defining influence for an entire generation.
The "Magnificent Seven" that Dettori achieved at Ascot in 1996 (winning every race on the card) remains for many people the most remarkable thing that any jockey has done in the history of horse racing.
Smooth, composed and remarkably consistent in his style, Pat Eddery enjoyed a long and successful career riding winners in 4,633 races. He was Champion Jockey 11 times and achieved 14 Classic wins, three of which featured the Epsom Derby. Eddery is remembered for his composure under pressure and riding style that is much admired, and his wins are enough for him to be considered the greatest British jockey of all time.
Bill Shoemaker enjoyed a remarkable 41-year career with 8,833 wins, placing him among the winningest jockeys in American history. He totalled 11 Triple Crown race wins and four Kentucky Derby victories as well. Under pressure, Shoemaaker is known for his calmness and an extraordinary sense of racing that still inspires generations of American riders.
Ryan Moore is among the greatest jockeys of our modern era. Ryan has won every British and Irish Classic, and major international races including the Breeders' Cup Turf, Japan Cup and Melbourne Cup, a career of pure ability and worldwide success. Ryan continues to rule the major races with his razor-sharp instincts and icy cool precision, making him the standard-bearer for today’s generation.
Jump (or National Hunt) racing is not just a test of speed, but endurance and bravery too. Fences, mud, and long distances face horses and riders, and in the jump racing world, these legends dominated.
Sir Anthony "AP" McCoy is the Iron Man of jump racing. He owns an unmatched 4,358 career wins, including 20 consecutive Champion Jockey victories. Famous races he won include the Grand National, the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Champion Hurdle.
He was one of the hardest-working and most respected athletes of any sport, even under injury.
Ruby Walsh, Ireland's star, was the man for the occasion. He had 2,756 wins and set a record with 59 Cheltenham Festival wins. He won the Grand National twice, was crowned the top jockey at Cheltenham 11 times.
Walsh's effortless riding style, intelligence and ship timing made a race look like artwork in motion.
Julie Krone broke through barriers in a sport dominated by men. With over 3,700 wins, she became the first female jockey to win a Triple Crown race when she won the Belmont Stakes in 1993.
Krone's daring determination and skill earned her recognition in the Racing Hall of Fame and in the hearts of fans who viewed her courage as the tipping point from impossible to possible.
Yutaka Take is the pride of Japanese racing. Having ridden over 4400 winners, Yutaka Take has ruled Japan’s racing circuit and has also won 11 Champion Jockey titles. Take’s versatility is evident in his international victories, the Dubai Duty Free Stakes and the Hong Kong Cup, proving that true talent knows no borders.
He helped bring Japanese racing to the global stage and inspired riders around the world.
Each of these riders represents something special:
Their records are not just numbers; they are records of courage, timing, and heart.
The top 10 best jockeys in history were far more than talented horse riders; they were legends in the sport and brought horse racing forward due to balance, courage and strategy. Each of the top 10 came with its own story of trust between the rider and horse. Their achievements remind us that being truly great in racing is not just due to speed, but also heart, legacy, and precision.
A jockey is one of the top 10 best due to high skill level, balance, and strategy. Many wins in larger races go into the consideration, along with developing a strong relationship with the horses. A top jockey is also able to control their emotions and decision-making while under pressure.
Sir Gordon Richards is the best jockey of all time, achieving 4,870 victories and 26 times as British Champion Jockey, records still held today.
The most famous jockey today is Frankie Dettori. He became famous for winning all seven races in one day at Ascot, during what is referred to as the “Magnificent Seven”, as well as for his signature flying dismount after each victory.
Yes, Julie Krone is known as the first female to win a Triple Crown race. Her courage proved that females can make as great an impact in the sport of horse racing as males.
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