ELEVEN-time flat racing champion jockey Pat Eddery has passed away at the age of 63.
Kildare native Eddery, who rode more than 4,600 winners, is regarded as one of the most successful jockeys of all time.
He retired in 2003 and was awarded an OBE in 2005, but had recently been suffering from ill health.
Sad to hear the passing of legendary Jockey Pat Eddery everybody looked up to him in the weigh room real pro and a gentleman RIP
— Johnny Murtagh (@JohnnyMurtagh) November 10, 2015
Eddery’s 36-year career included successes in 14 British Classics, four Arcs and he twice won the Cheltenham Gold Cup, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
AP McCoy, 20-time champion jump jockey, described Eddery as a "true genius in the saddle".
Shocked to hear the very sad news of Pat Eddery's passing - an amazing jockey.
— David Pipe (@DavidPipeRacing) November 10, 2015
Jockey Dougie Costello, who is also a columnist for The Irish Post, said that Eddery would be remembered for his unique style.
“He was a tacticious jockey who kept himself to himself, he had a style that you wouldn’t see very often today,” he said.
“He would squeeze, push, squeeze, push, he was different, and he had a unique style that a few jockeys have tried to take on board.”
Eddery began a training career after his retirement and sent his first horse out in 2005.
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