There is some Irish jockey riding on the flat in America that's ridden a host of winners. I don't think he has ever ridden in Europe,unfortunately I can't remember his name. Could be as far out as a lighthouse.
There is some Irish jockey riding on the flat in America that's ridden a host of winners.I don't think he has ever ridden in Europe,unfortunately I can't remember his name.Could be as far out as a lighthouse.
I’d say it’s James Graham you are thinking of Wildman. There was a profile on him in the RP a while back. If I recall correctly, he had a few rides here as an apprentice with no success and left for the States after a friend’s death. He’s one of the top riders over there numbers wise with a good smattering of big race wins.
I’d say it’s James Graham you are thinking of Wildman. There was a profile on him in the RP a while back. If I recall correctly, he had a few rides here as an apprentice with no success and left for the States after a friend’s death. He’s one
He never got a chance in Ireland, rode one winner as a 10lb claimer. Shoveled sh1t in John Oxxs' for years, eventually ending up with Pat Martin. Rode his second winner as a 24 year old in America. For a top Irish sportsman, I don't think he has ever got any recognition in Ireland. Davy Moran is another jockey who appears to be doing well in Canada.
Birthdate: May 17, 1979
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
Residence(s): Arlington Heights, Illinois and New Orleans
Family: wife, Lisa; daughter, Hannah; son Christopher
Growing up in Finglas Dublin with six siblings, Graham said he was not a good student so he followed a teacher’s advice and enrolled in a school for jockeys. Upon completing the course, he furthered his education by going to work for a trainer and in addition to riding, he enhanced his horsemanship skills by cleaning stalls and grooming horses.
With limited opportunities in his native country, he relocated to Lexington, Kentucky in 2002 and quickly gained a reputation as a hard-working exercise rider at Keeneland Race Course. The next year, he obtained his jockey’s license. He earned his first win on July 1, 2003, at River Downs in Cincinnati, Ohio and soon became a sought-after rising star at Fair Grounds in New Orleans that winter and then Arlington Park in Chicago during summer 2004. A decade into his career, Graham consistently ranks among the nation’s top jockeys while still concentrating his efforts at Fair Grounds, Arlington, and Keeneland. He is recognized by his peers as a determined yet humble competitor.
Career Statistics: Starts: 14,914 Firsts: 2,060 Seconds: 2,093 Thirds: 1,988 Earnings: $65,248,559 Avg. Earnings Per Start: $4,375
He appears to have made it the hard way.
Well done TTK. You are very perspicacious.I think there is a film in his story.He never got a chance in Ireland, rode one winner as a 10lb claimer. Shoveled sh1t in John Oxxs' for years, eventually ending up with Pat Martin. Rode his second winner as