Barry Geraghty

Born: September 16, 1979
Nationality: Irish
Height: 5ft 9ins
Riding Weight: 10st 2lbs
Regular jockey for: Nicky Henderson

Racing Background

* Barry’s grandfather was owner of Golden Miller, one of the greatest jump horses of all time. He won the Cheltenham Gold Cup a record five times in succession, during the 1930’s.
* The main influence for Barry to become a jockey was his family, in particular his father, who was an amateur jockey for a number of years.
* As a conditional jockey, Barry won three major races: the 1998 Midlands National, at Uttoxeter, the Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and the Martell Cup, at Aintree.
* The two best horses Barry has ever ridden are Moscow Flyer, who won the 2003 Queen Mother Champion Chase and top Irish chaser, Florida Pearl. He also partnered the top-class hurdler, Iris’s Gift, to win the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the 2004 Cheltenham Festival.
* Monty’s Pass is Barry’s favourite horse, and gave him the ride of his life to win the John Smith’s Grand National, in 2003. “The course is such a phenomenal challenge and to get around it is hard enough, but to win it is so rewarding,” he said.
* In terms of riding injuries, Barry is lucky enough to have escaped with just two shoulder dislocations, as well as a collection of minor injuries.

Other Hobbies and Interests

* He is a keen sportsman and enjoys playing squash, Gaelic football and golf (“badly!”). He has also recently started learning to water ski.
* Barry is a keen supporter of his local Irish football team, GAA Meath, and also likes to follow his national rugby team.
* His star sign is Virgo.
* He enjoys listening to music by Robbie Williams and watching films, his favourite of which is ‘Pulp Fiction’.
* Barry once said that if he were not a jockey, he would like to spend his time running a pub in Co. Meath. Now he can do both, as the proud owner of a pub-nightclub and also a farm.
* Barry states that eating too much is probably one of his worst habits!

Barry’s Cheltenham Winners

2002: Arkle Challenge Trophy : Moscow Flyer
2003: William Hill Chase : Youlneverwalkalone
2003: Pertemps Hurdle :Inching Closer
2003: Queen Mother Champion Chase: Moscow Flyer
2003: Triumph Hurdle: Spectroscope
2003: County Hurdle: Spirit Leader
2004: Stayers Hurdle: Iris’s Gift
2005: Queen Mother Champion Chase : Moscow Flyer
2005: Cheltenham Gold Cup: Kicking King
2006: Royal & SunAlliance Chase: Star De Mohaison
2006: Coral Cup: Skys The Limit
2007: Champion Bumper : Cork All Star
2008: Jewson Novices Chase: Finger on The Pulse