Epsom Derby jockeys

Whereas jump jockeys have the aspiration of riding a winner of the Grand National, for a Flat jockey, an Epsom Derby victory is the race they most want on their CV. In some parts the Epsom Derby is considered to be the Blue Riband event of the turf and is certainly the most prestigious of the five Classics that make up the summer horse racing calendar.

Lester Piggott the most successful Epsom Derby jockey

Lester Piggott enjoyed the ultimate love affair with the Epsom Derby, winning the Classic on nine occasions from 36 rides. His first triumph in the Epsom Derby odds was as an 18-year-old on board Never Say Die in 1954, while his other successes came with Crepello, St. Paddy, Sir Ivor, Nijinsky, Roberto, Empery, The Minstrel, Teenoso.

2011 Epsom Derby jockeys

Of the Epsom Derby jockeys with rides in 2012, Johnny Murtagh and Kieren Fallon have tasted the most success with three wins apiece. Murtagh has already ridden Sinndar, High Chapparal and Motivator to victory. Meanwhile, Fallon’s victories have been with Oath, Kris Kin and North Light.

It took 15 attempts for Frankie Dettori to ride his first Epsom Derby winner when steering Authorized to victory in 2007 and he will have a decent chance among the 2012 Epsom Derby runners. Meanwhile, Ryan Moore Mickael Barzalona will be bidding for back-to-back victories following his triumph on Pour Moi.