There are few more popular sports across the world than horse racing, with those involved able to gain huge followings in their own right. For passionate fans, this sees jockeys become as famous as the horses that they are aboard, with some even opting to follow jockeys on every ride that they take.
That is especially the case when it comes to gambling on events such as the Breeders’ Cup classic, as bettors will typically look to side with riders that have proven records in the highest quality of races. You can find more information here: https://www.twinspires.com/breeders-cup/classic/
Jockeys are able to remain in the headlines throughout their careers, and that often sees some given nicknames that remain throughout their lives. But, what are some of the most famous nicknames in horse racing?
Roy Higgins
Horse racing is an incredibly famous pastime in Australia, and one of the most celebrated riders remains Roy Higgins. The rider was nicknamed ‘The Professor’ for his ability to get the best out of his runners, typically finding a way to win a race that others wouldn’t be able to.
During his career, Higgins registered 2312 victories, and was the winner of the Melbourne Jockey’s Premiership on a joint-record eleven occasions. Two of his most iconic victories came in the Melbourne Cup, winning the race with Light Fingers in 1965 and Red Handed in 1967.
His legendary career saw him inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1987. There was great sadness in Australian sport in March 2014 after it was revealed that Higgins had passed away following a short illness.
Bill Shoemaker
One of the most celebrated jockeys in horse racing history remains Bill Shoemaker. Throughout his career, he was nicknamed ‘The Shoe’, due in part to his second name.
However, the main reason for his nickname was down to the fact that he was put in a shoebox on the oven in order to stay warm after being born underweight. Shoemaker’s legendary career saw him set the record for the most professional victories, amassing a staggering 8,833 during his time in the saddle.
Shoemark would be a notable star in Triple Crown races, winning eleven times across four decades, with his final Classic success coming aboard Ferdinand in the Kentucky Derby in 1986. His legacy continued away from racing, with Andy Warhol immortalizing the rider with a portrait in the mid 1970s.
Steve Cauthen
There are potentially few more unique sporting stars on the planet than Steve Cauthen. The rider was nicknamed ‘The Kid’ from an early age, after coming through the grades when he was aged just 16.
His emergence as one of the leading riders in North America peaked in 1978 when he became the youngest jockey to win the U.S. Triple Crown. In doing so, he would be named Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. However, he would set his sights on further glory after leaving the United States, winning the 2,000 Guineas and Epsom Derby in the United Kingdom.
In doing so, he remains the only jockey to have won both the Epsom and Kentucky Derbies. His success in Europe would also see him named the British Champion Jockey on three occasions before his retirement in 1987.
Tony McCoy
You have to be a seriously talented rider to earn the nickname ‘Champ’, but that is exactly how Tony McCoy was remarked by those within the sport. His nickname stems from the fact that he was named Champion Jockey on a record 20 consecutive occasions, meaning that he won the title in every season that he was professional.
McCoy would win every major race on the National Hunt schedule, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, and King George VI Chase. His only Grand National success would finally arrive in 2010, just five years before his retirement.
His reputation in the sport also saw a horse named in his honor, with Champ winning G2 Long Distance Hurdle and G1 RSA Chase during his time on track.
Jason Weaver
Jason Weaver has one of the most unique nicknames in horse racing, as he has been referred to as ‘Shark’ throughout much of his life. The nickname was born after he saved television reporter Matt Chapman, who believed that he had been bitten by a shark.
The prank earned him the nickname, and it has stuck every since. Weaver was one of the most respected jockeys during his career in the United Kingdom, with his best moment coming when winning the 2,000 Guineas aboard Mister Baileys.
One of his best seasons came in 1994 when he became one of a select number of riders to hit 200 victories in a single season. Since retiring from the sport in 2006, Weaver remains a prominent figure in British racing, as he features on the flat coverage on ITV and Sky Sports.