The sport of horse racing has remained popular in Wales throughout its illustrious history. Of course, it is certainly aided by the success of some of the biggest races on the calendar in the country, with the Welsh Grand National often attracting record-breaking crowds at Chepstow.
However, the rich history in the sport has produced many prominent Welsh figures in the game, including current trainer Christian Williams. But, who are some of the best jockeys to have represented Wales in the saddle? If you like to get a horse betting bonus click here.
Jack Anthony
Jack Anthony was one of the most successful Welsh jockeys during his prime years in the saddle. Born in January 1890, Anthony was the sixth son of a family mad about their horse racing. Both of his older brothers also enjoyed success in the sport, with Ivor becoming a successful jockey and Owen later enjoying success as a trainer.
Jack Anthony rode his first winner as an amateur in 1906, and he is most famous for his three victories in the Grand National. His first big win in the race at Aintree came with Glenside in 1911, before later landing victories with Ally Sloper and Troytown in 1915 and 1920, respectively.
Anthony was named Champion Jockey on two occasions. After retiring, he began training horses, and he played a prominent role in Easter Hero’s two victories in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1929 and 1930.
Hywel Davies
Hywel Davies remains a prominent voice for horse racing fans to this day, as he often does guest commentary on channels such as At the Races and Racing TV. Davies rode for 16 years, and picked up 761 victories in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Overall, he took his tally of career victories to 800 taking into account the success that he achieved overseas. Davies didn’t learn English until he was seven, and he was highly regarded by trainer Tom Forster, as he was the trainer’s retained jockey for eight years.
However, this partnership came to an end as he became a freelance jockey throughout the best years of his career. This saw him pick up victories for trainers such as Nicky Henderson and Josh Gifford.
The biggest win of his career was secured in 1985, as he rode 50/1 outsider, Last Suspect, to Grand National glory for trainer Tim Forster. During his career, he also won the Hennessey Gold Cup, the Peterborough Chase, and the Queen Moth Champion Chase.
Geoff Lewis
While National Hunt remains the most popular in Wales, it’s fair to say that the Welsh have also enjoyed success in the flat. One of the best jockeys that we have ever seen on the flat remains Geoff Lewis, who was regarded as the best in Europe between 1953 and 1970. Lewis moved to London aged 13, and later became an apprentice with Ron Smyth in Epsom. Lewis immediately began making a name for himself in the saddle, and his best years would come between 1969 and 1970. He landed the 2,000 Guineas in 1969, before winning the first of two Epsom Oaks in 1971.
The following day, he would create a moment that viewers would remember forever, as he rode the great Mill Reef to Derby success. He also led the legendary horse to success in the Coronation Cup and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Lewis also landed the Ascot Gold Cup in 1971, and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in the same year. Following his retirement from the sport in 1979, Lewis began training at the Third Acre Barn in Epsom. He saddled over 500 winners before retiring in 1999.
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