In my opinion like many, the champion jockey tony mccoy, the greatest man ever to set foot on a horse!
Who do you think?
2007-03-10 02:38:44 · 18 answers · asked by kinglee28 2 in Sports ➔ Horse Racing
Hate to say it, but american racing has no comparison to British Racing, british racing is the world standard
2007-03-10 04:02:03 · update #1
If we are talking National Hunt Racing, which you obviously are, then I agree absolutely that AP is the best. He's a really nice guy when you get to know him, but comes across as a bit arrogant because he is very shy. John Francome was pretty good in his day - writes good book, too!
If you readers across the pond would like to send a few of your 'good' horses over here to contest ANY National Hunt Steeplechase it would be something worth watching! Our British bred chasers have guts, stamina, courage, athleticism,
and the best breeding in the world - so don't knock 'em.
2007-03-10 09:54:17 · answer #1 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is a very difficult question to answer because there are different definitions of "greatest" - What does it mean to you? The jockey with the most wins? Here in the US, that's Russell Baze; the one with highest lifetime earnings? That's Pat Day. The one most people have heard of? That's probably Bill Shoemaker. The one who won the most Derbys? That's Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack, and so on.
There's many factors that go into making a great jockey - the prime being the opportunity to ride the greatest horses over the longest period of time. And so, if I had to choose just one (and probably because I had the pleasure of seeing him ride throughout his career), it would be Jerry Bailey. Yes, he usually wound up on the best horses in the biggest races, but that's because he rarely made any mistakes in a race. He was always in the perfect spot at the perfect time. He didn't achieve the overall number of winners as others did, but for a period of about 15 years (1990-2005), he was simply amazing in the best races in the world. I don't think he had any flaws as a rider - PLUS - he was a great ambassador for the sport - well spoken, and well respected. You could make arguments for at least 5 or 6 others, but there aren't many that you could say were better than Bailey.
2007-03-10 03:59:27 · answer #2 · answered by aniello_napolitano2000 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
George Wolfe... poor guy was so weak from maintaining his weight and diabetis that he fell of and was trampled... he's a legend... he devoted his entire life to racing... he'll always be the greatest.
I love Gary Stevens... but I think Wolfe will be remembered a lot longer than Gary... but Gary's my personal favorite.
Yes, English racing is probably better... the jockeys have to deal with jumps, hills, curves, dirt, and grass... all in 1 race... but I don't know any English jockeys... and truthfully, I feel like American racing is probably more famous... people from other places will research American horses and jockeys but even the American racing fan won't know much about other places... we can't name more than a couple famous english horses and jockeys: but that's the same for everything... Americans are so concerned about themselves that they pay no attention to anyone else. But anyway, British racing is certianly a lot more demanding, but the US gets more attention... so most of the jockey names you get as answers to this question are going to be Americans... that's just how it is.
2007-03-10 17:33:10 · answer #3 · answered by kmnmiamisax 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I totally agree with you, but what about "O greatest jockey" Johnny Francome...he was really good...I have never seen a jump jockey see such a good stride to a fence before or since and he kept his horses so ballanced. If we then go to flat racing Lester Piggott could kick a horse 8 times in 3 strides which is almost impossible if you try it!
2007-03-10 07:56:34 · answer #4 · answered by doingitallforwrenches 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chantal Sutherland, wait my bad I thought you asked who was the hottest.
I find this to be a too tough a question because it doesn't matter who you think of the've all had some stupid rides and bad mistakes. However if I had first call on any jock in the world right now I would have to give it to Garrett Gomez he has been riding flawlessly of late and if he declined Julien Leparoux would get the call, he's been pretty damn impressive so far in his career, he's as patient as they come without being stupid like Pat Day and he's still young so he's hungry and will get up on any horse for any price and ride it like a champion.
2007-03-10 13:47:54 · answer #5 · answered by hoyo2_99 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What? British racing is the standard? That almost made me laugh. American horses can beat a British horse anyday, and since its already been done, I guess that clears it up.
2007-03-10 05:36:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
All time: Bill Shoemaker, Laffit Pincay, Jr., Pat Day, Jerry Bailey
Active today: Frankie Dettori
2007-03-10 03:28:54 · answer #7 · answered by star_emperor 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I can't believe the arrogance in your statement. I watch a lot of English racing on TV in the mornings here in the US, it's certainly no better than what goes on in the states. I've seen plenty of touted English horses lose in the states, and I've seen plenty of US bred horses win races in England. I've seen it go the other way, as well, but that's my point. World standard? I don't think so...you just have a provincial mindset is all.
2007-03-10 07:34:52 · answer #8 · answered by Edward K 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Currently racing, I'd say Frankie Dettori
2007-03-10 02:46:21 · answer #9 · answered by dj_sgirl 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Lester Piggett!
2007-03-10 02:48:48 · answer #10 · answered by Mermaid 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋