Most Successful Jockeys At Cheltenham

Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the UK, attracting elite jockeys who compete for glory in its challenging races. Over the years, several jockeys have etched their names into history with multiple victories, demonstrating skill, strategy, and an unmatched understanding of Cheltenham’s demanding course. The festival’s iconic races, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Champion Hurdle, require a unique blend of endurance and tactical awareness, making success at this event a true mark of greatness. With that being said, it begs the question, who are the most successful jockeys? That is the question we at BoyleSports look to answer as we go over some of the most successful jockeys at Cheltenham.

Ruby Walsh

Ruby Walsh is the most successful jockey in Cheltenham Festival history, with an incredible 59 festival victories to his name. Walsh dominated Cheltenham for two decades before retiring in 2019. The Irish jockey was closely associated with legendary trainers Willie Mullins and Paul Nicholls, riding some of the greatest horses of his generation. His most successful partnership was with Quevega, a mare he guided to six consecutive Mares’ Hurdle victories between 2009 and 2014. Walsh also secured Gold Cup wins aboard Kauto Star (2007, 2009) and Azertyuiop (2004) in the Champion Chase. His record-breaking achievements at Cheltenham remain unmatched. Even in retirement, Walsh remains a key figure in racing as a pundit and analyst.

Barry Geraghty

Then there is Barry Geraghty who is one of Cheltenham Festival’s most successful jockeys, securing 43 festival victories during his career. Geraghty rode for some of the sport’s biggest trainers, including Nicky Henderson and Jessica Harrington. His most famous partnership was with the brilliant Sprinter Sacre, whom he guided to an unforgettable Champion Chase victory in 2013. Geraghty also enjoyed success in the Cheltenham Gold Cup , winning aboard Kicking King (2005) and Bobs Worth (2013). His versatility saw him triumph across multiple disciplines, including two Champion Hurdle wins on Buveur d’Air (2017, 2018). After retiring in 2020, he left behind a legacy of big-race success, ranking second only to Ruby Walsh in festival wins.

Paul Townend

Paul Townend is a jockey who has already cemented himself among the ranks of legendary jockeys after multiple recent Cheltenham wins and is still racing. Boasting 34 Cheltenham victories to his name, Townend is a key figure in the stable of trainer Willie Mullins. Townend has shown remarkable skill and composure in some of the festival’s most prestigious races, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup aboard Al Boum Photo (2019, 2020) and Galopin Des Champs (2023, 2024). As he is currently still active in horse racing, he remains a frequent choice for those who engage in Cheltenham betting .

Sir AP McCoy

Sir AP McCoy is widely regarded as one of the greatest jockeys in the history of horse racing, with 32 Cheltenham Festival victories to his name. His career was defined by his partnership with trainer Jonjo O'Neill, with whom he enjoyed many major wins, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Synchronised (2012). McCoy’s versatility allowed him to succeed in various races, securing Champion Hurdle victories aboard Brindisi Breeze (2011) and multiple wins in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. His commitment to the sport saw him earn a record 4,358 career wins before retiring in 2015.

Pat Taaffe

Pat Taaffe is a legendary figure in the history of the Cheltenham Festival, with 25 Cheltenham wins to his name, but it’s his impact on the sport that makes him stand out. Taaffe’s career is most famously defined by his partnership with the great Arkle, often regarded as the greatest steeplechaser of all time. Together, they won the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times (1964, 1965, and 1966), an unmatched feat at the time, and Arkle’s dominance during this period helped cement Taaffe’s reputation. Though Taaffe’s time at the top was relatively short, his achievements at Cheltenham and his association with Arkle have left a lasting legacy on the sport of horse racing. Furthermore, the fact that only 3 jockeys have surpassed his achievements since his death in 1993 is a testament to his horse racing ability.

Richard Johnson

Finally, there is Richard Johnson, who is one of the most respected jockeys in the history of British racing, with an impressive 23 Cheltenham Festival victories to his name. Known for his consistency and dedication, Johnson enjoyed a long and successful career, establishing himself as a dominant force on the UK circuit. He is best known for his partnership with trainer Philip Hobbs, with whom he secured numerous big wins, including victories in prestigious Cheltenham races such as the Champion Hurdle with Somersby (2012) and the Arkle Challenge Trophy with Vaniteux (2016). Johnson’s most notable Cheltenham win came aboard Native River, with whom he claimed the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2018.

Rachel Blackmore

Rachel Blackmore is another famous jockey who will forever be remembered as the first female to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup on A Plus Tard. She now has 16 Cheltenham victories to her name, with the most recent being in the Queen Mother Champion Chase aboard Captain Guinness (2024). After returning from a neck injury in December 2024, she is now looking to continue her riding success. This also makes her a great pick for horse racing betting .