Britain and Ireland love horse racing
Quick answer: The most famous jockeys in the UK and Ireland are Frankie Dettori, Sir AP McCoy, Lester Piggott and Ruby Walsh, with Rachael Blackmore, Hollie Doyle, Oisin Murphy and William Buick among today's best-known names. The most famous racehorses are Red Rum, the three-time Grand National winner, and Frankel, the unbeaten champion often called the greatest racehorse of all time.
Horse racing is one of the oldest and most loved sports in Britain and Ireland. Millions of people watch the Grand National every April, the Cheltenham Festival brings the whole of Ireland and Britain together every March, and Royal Ascot is one of the highlights of the British summer. Few sports have so many legends, on two legs and on four.
In this guide we count down the 40 most famous names in British and Irish horse racing: the legendary jockeys, today's champion riders, the young stars taking over the weighing room, and the iconic racehorses that captured the hearts of the nation. You will also find ideas for horse racing posters, racing wall art and gifts for racing fans.
Contents
- Legendary jockeys and pioneers
- Today's top jockeys
- Rising stars of the weighing room
- The most famous racehorses of all time
- Flat racing and jump racing explained
- The greatest moments in British and Irish racing
- The racing calendar: the big festivals
- How to choose a horse racing poster
- Frequently asked questions
Why Britain and Ireland love horse racing
Horse racing is the second most attended sport in Britain after football, with millions of racegoers every year across nearly 60 racecourses. In Ireland, racing is part of the national identity, and Irish-trained horses and Irish jockeys dominate many of the biggest races in both countries.
Racing is also a sport that reaches people who never follow any other sport. The Grand National is watched by millions around the world, and for many families it is the one race of the year everyone talks about, picks a horse for and cheers home. Royal Ascot, the Epsom Derby and the Cheltenham Festival are as much social occasions as sporting events.
Above all, racing is a sport of heroes and stories: the champion jockey who never gives up, the great horse loved by the whole country, the underdog who wins against all odds. Those stories are what make horse racing posters so special.
Legendary jockeys and pioneers
These are the riders who defined horse racing in Britain and Ireland, the names every racing fan knows.
1. Frankie Dettori – the most famous jockey in the world
Frankie Dettori is the most famous jockey of the modern era and one of the great personalities in British sport. On 28 September 1996 he won all seven races on the card at Ascot, the "Magnificent Seven", a feat that has never been repeated. His trademark flying dismount after big wins became one of the most famous celebrations in sport.
Born in Italy and based in Britain for most of his career, Dettori won the Derby, multiple Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe races and countless Group 1s, including famous wins on the great mare Enable. He retired from riding in Britain in 2023 after a farewell tour that drew huge crowds. A Frankie Dettori poster is a must for any racing fan.
2. Sir AP McCoy – the greatest jump jockey ever
Sir Anthony "AP" McCoy was champion jump jockey 20 times in a row, every season from his first full one to his last, and rode more than 4,000 jump winners. He finally won the Grand National on Don't Push It in 2010, after 14 attempts, and became the first jockey to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year. He was knighted in 2016. Celebrate him with our AP McCoy poster.
3. Lester Piggott – the Long Fellow
Lester Piggott won the Derby a record nine times and was champion flat jockey 11 times. Known as "the Long Fellow" because he was unusually tall for a jockey, he rode Nijinsky to the Triple Crown in 1970 and is widely regarded as the greatest flat jockey in history. Discover our Lester Piggott poster.
4. Ruby Walsh – the king of Cheltenham
Ruby Walsh is the most successful jockey in the history of the Cheltenham Festival. He won the Grand National twice, on Papillon in 2000 and Hedgehunter in 2005, and partnered stars such as Kauto Star for Paul Nicholls and countless champions for Willie Mullins. Today he is a respected racing pundit. See our Ruby Walsh poster.
5. Ryan Moore – the jockey's jockey
Ryan Moore is a multiple British champion flat jockey and one of the finest riders in the world. As first jockey to Aidan O'Brien at Ballydoyle, he has won the Derby four times, most recently on City of Troy in 2024. Shop our Ryan Moore poster.
6. Richard Johnson – the ultimate professional
Richard Johnson finished second to AP McCoy in the jockeys' championship 16 times before finally becoming champion himself four times after McCoy retired. He won the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice, on Looks Like Trouble in 2000 and Native River in 2018. His patience and determination made him one of the most respected figures in racing. See our Richard Johnson poster.
7. Davy Russell – Tiger Roll's partner
Davy Russell won the Grand National twice on Tiger Roll, in 2018 and 2019, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Lord Windermere in 2014. He was one of the most popular Irish jockeys of his generation. Discover our Davy Russell poster.
8. Hayley Turner – the trailblazer
Hayley Turner became the first female jockey to ride 100 winners in a calendar year in Britain, in 2008, and later won at Royal Ascot. She opened doors for a whole generation of female riders who are now winning the biggest races in the sport. Shop our Hayley Turner poster.
Today's top jockeys
These are the riders winning the big races in Britain and Ireland today, from the Derby to the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
9. William Buick – Godolphin's number one
William Buick is a British champion flat jockey and the first-choice rider for Godolphin, one of the most powerful teams in world racing. He has won the Derby and many of the world's biggest Group 1 races. See our William Buick poster.
10. Oisin Murphy – the champion from Kerry
Oisin Murphy, from Killarney in County Kerry, is a multiple British champion flat jockey and one of the most naturally gifted riders of his generation. His tactical brilliance and work ethic have made him a star on both sides of the Irish Sea. Shop our Oisin Murphy poster.
11. Tom Marquand – Group 1 star
Tom Marquand has won Group 1 races in Britain and Australia and is one of the most popular riders in the weighing room. He and his wife Hollie Doyle are one of the best-known couples in British sport. Discover our Tom Marquand poster.
12. Colin Keane – Ireland's champion
Colin Keane is a multiple Irish champion flat jockey and one of the most successful riders in the history of Irish flat racing. See our Colin Keane poster.
13. Rachael Blackmore – the woman who changed racing
Rachael Blackmore made history in 2021 when she became the first woman to win the Grand National, on Minella Times. In the same year she was leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival, and in 2022 she won the Cheltenham Gold Cup on A Plus Tard. Her partnership with the champion mare Honeysuckle made her a superstar in Ireland and Britain. She retired in 2025 as one of the most important figures in the history of the sport. Shop our Rachael Blackmore poster.
14. Paul Townend – Willie Mullins' stable jockey
Paul Townend rides for Willie Mullins, the most powerful trainer in jump racing, and is a multiple Irish champion jump jockey. He has won the Cheltenham Gold Cup several times, including back-to-back wins on Galopin des Champs in 2023 and 2024. See our Paul Townend poster.
15. Harry Cobden – Paul Nicholls' number one
Harry Cobden is stable jockey to champion trainer Paul Nicholls and one of the leading riders in British jump racing, with big-race wins at Cheltenham, Kempton and Aintree. Discover our Harry Cobden poster.
16. Nico de Boinville – Constitution Hill's rider
Nico de Boinville is Nicky Henderson's stable jockey and the regular partner of Constitution Hill. He won the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Coneygree in 2015 and is one of the coolest big-race riders in the sport. Shop our Nico de Boinville poster.
17. Sean Bowen – champion jump jockey
Welshman Sean Bowen is a British champion jump jockey, known for his strength in a finish and his huge number of winners. See our Sean Bowen poster.
18. Jack Kennedy – Gordon Elliott's first jockey
Jack Kennedy is first jockey to leading Irish trainer Gordon Elliott and a multiple Cheltenham Festival winner. He is one of the most talented jump riders in Ireland. Discover our Jack Kennedy poster.
19. Harry Skelton – champion from a sporting family
Harry Skelton was British champion jump jockey and rides for his brother, trainer Dan Skelton. Their father, Nick Skelton, won Olympic showjumping gold at Rio 2016, making the Skeltons one of the great families of British equestrian sport. Shop our Harry Skelton poster.
Rising stars of the weighing room
A new generation of jockeys is taking over British and Irish racing, and many of them are women breaking records once thought impossible.
20. Hollie Doyle – record-breaker
Hollie Doyle has broken records for female jockeys in Britain and became the first woman to ride a winner on British Champions Day at Ascot, in 2020. She finished in the top three of BBC Sports Personality of the Year the same year, a sign of how far her fame has spread beyond racing. See our Hollie Doyle poster.
21. Saffie Osborne – the young star
Saffie Osborne is one of the brightest young female jockeys in British flat racing and a big-race winner. Daughter of trainer Jamie Osborne, she grew up around racing and is one of the sport's most exciting talents. Shop our Saffie Osborne poster.
22. Billy Loughnane – the teenage sensation
Billy Loughnane became British champion apprentice as a teenager and has quickly established himself as one of the most talented young jockeys in the country, riding winners at the biggest meetings. Discover our Billy Loughnane poster.
23. Rossa Ryan – Group 1 winner
Irish-born Rossa Ryan is a Group 1-winning jockey based in Britain and one of the rising stars of flat racing. See our Rossa Ryan poster.
24. Cieren Fallon – racing royalty
Cieren Fallon is a Group 1-winning jockey and the son of six-time champion jockey Kieren Fallon. He is carrying one of the most famous names in racing into a new generation. Shop our Cieren Fallon poster.
25. Bryony Frost – the jump racing pioneer
Bryony Frost became the first woman to ride a Grade 1 winner at the Cheltenham Festival, on Frodon in 2019, and the first woman to win the King George VI Chase on the same horse. Her joyful interviews made her one of the most popular riders in Britain. See our Bryony Frost poster.
The most famous racehorses of all time
In horse racing, the horses are stars too. These are the racehorses that won the hearts of fans in Britain and Ireland, and they are some of the most popular racing posters of all.
26. Frankel – the greatest racehorse ever
Frankel won all 14 of his races between 2010 and 2012, including 10 Group 1s, often by huge margins. Trained by Sir Henry Cecil and ridden by Tom Queally, he is rated by many experts as the best racehorse in history. His 2011 2000 Guineas, where he led from the start and won by six lengths, is one of the most famous performances ever seen. A Frankel poster is a classic for any flat racing fan.
The great trainers behind the champions
Behind every champion horse and jockey is a trainer. These are the names that appear again and again in the stories on our list.
- Willie Mullins: the most successful trainer in the history of the Cheltenham Festival and the man behind Galopin des Champs, with Paul Townend as his stable jockey. His yard in County Carlow has dominated Irish jump racing for years.
- Aidan O'Brien: the master of Ballydoyle in County Tipperary and one of the greatest flat trainers ever, with a record number of Derby wins, including City of Troy with Ryan Moore.
- Sir Henry Cecil: the legendary Newmarket trainer of Frankel, who guided the unbeaten champion while bravely fighting cancer.
- Paul Nicholls: multiple British champion jump trainer and the trainer of Kauto Star, with Harry Cobden as his stable jockey today.
- Nicky Henderson: one of the most successful jump trainers in British history and the trainer of Constitution Hill.
- Gordon Elliott: the Irish trainer of Tiger Roll, with Jack Kennedy as his first jockey.
- Ginger McCain: the trainer of Red Rum, who prepared him on the beach at Southport and later won the Grand National again with Amberleigh House in 2004.
Irish racing: a nation of horse lovers
Ireland is one of the most important countries in world horse racing. Irish-bred and Irish-trained horses win many of the biggest races in Britain every year, and the Cheltenham Festival has become a celebration of Irish success, with thousands of Irish fans crossing the sea every March.
Many of the jockeys on our list are Irish, including AP McCoy, Ruby Walsh, Rachael Blackmore, Davy Russell, Paul Townend, Jack Kennedy, Oisin Murphy and Colin Keane, and Irish legends such as Arkle, Tiger Roll, Honeysuckle and Galopin des Champs are loved on both sides of the Irish Sea. For Irish fans and families with Irish roots, a racing poster is a proud piece of national sporting history.
Flat racing and jump racing explained
British and Irish horse racing is divided into two codes. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right horse racing poster for the fan in your life.
- Flat racing: races without obstacles, run mainly from spring to autumn. The biggest races include the Derby at Epsom, the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, Royal Ascot and British Champions Day. Flat legends on our list include Frankie Dettori, Lester Piggott, Ryan Moore, Frankel, Enable and Sea The Stars.
- Jump racing (National Hunt): races over hurdles or larger fences called steeplechases, run mainly from autumn to spring. The highlights are the Cheltenham Festival, the Grand National at Aintree and the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day. Jump legends include AP McCoy, Ruby Walsh, Rachael Blackmore, Red Rum, Arkle and Kauto Star.
Many fans love one code more than the other. Flat racing fans often admire speed and pedigree, while jump racing fans love the courage of the horses and the long careers that let fans follow them for years.
The greatest moments in British and Irish racing
The best racing posters capture a moment fans will never forget. These are some of the most famous days in the history of the sport.
Red Rum's third Grand National, 1977
Red Rum won his third Grand National at the age of 12, sparking scenes of joy at Aintree. The BBC commentary of his win remains one of the most famous in British sport, and he became the most celebrated racehorse in the country.
Frankie's Magnificent Seven, 1996
On 28 September 1996, Frankie Dettori won all seven races at Ascot. The odds of the seven-timer were thousands to one, and bookmakers lost millions. It is still talked about as the greatest day ever for a jockey.
AP McCoy wins the Grand National, 2010
After 14 failed attempts, AP McCoy finally won the Grand National on Don't Push It. The win helped him become the first jockey to be voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Frankel's 2000 Guineas, 2011
Frankel set off in front at Newmarket and simply ran his rivals into the ground, winning by six lengths. It was the moment the racing world realised it was watching something special.
Rachael Blackmore's Grand National, 2021
Rachael Blackmore became the first woman to win the Grand National on Minella Times, one of the most important moments in the history of women's sport. Weeks earlier she had been crowned leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival.
Tiger Roll's double, 2018 and 2019
Tiger Roll won the Grand National in 2018 and again in 2019, becoming the first back-to-back winner since Red Rum and one of Ireland's favourite sporting heroes.
Frankie's farewell, 2023
Frankie Dettori's final season in Britain turned into a celebration, with emotional big-race wins at Royal Ascot and huge crowds at every meeting. His farewell at Ascot on British Champions Day was one of the most moving days in modern racing.
The racing calendar: the big festivals
Horse racing runs all year round in Britain and Ireland, but these are the meetings every fan circles on the calendar.
| Month | Meeting | Where | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| February | Dublin Racing Festival | Leopardstown, Ireland | Jumps |
| March | Cheltenham Festival | Cheltenham, Gloucestershire | Jumps |
| April | Grand National Festival | Aintree, Liverpool | Jumps |
| April–May | Punchestown Festival | Punchestown, Ireland | Jumps |
| May | 2000 and 1000 Guineas | Newmarket, Suffolk | Flat |
| June | The Derby | Epsom, Surrey | Flat |
| June | Royal Ascot | Ascot, Berkshire | Flat |
| July–August | Glorious Goodwood and the Galway Races | Goodwood, West Sussex; Galway, Ireland | Flat and mixed |
| August | Ebor Festival | York | Flat |
| September | St Leger Festival | Doncaster | Flat |
| October | British Champions Day | Ascot, Berkshire | Flat |
| December | King George VI Chase (Boxing Day) | Kempton Park, Surrey | Jumps |
Every one of these meetings is a great excuse to buy a racing poster or gift: a Grand National poster in April, a Royal Ascot gift in June, or a Kauto Star or Desert Orchid print for a Boxing Day King George fan.
Women in horse racing
Horse racing is one of the very few sports where women and men compete directly against each other on equal terms. Over the last 20 years, female jockeys have gone from rare to some of the biggest stars in the sport. Hayley Turner opened the door, Bryony Frost and Hollie Doyle broke records, and Rachael Blackmore won the Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
For young girls who ride, these jockeys are powerful role models. That is why posters of Rachael Blackmore, Hollie Doyle and Bryony Frost are popular choices for equestrian bedrooms, pony club gifts and anyone who loves horses.
Building a sports wall: racing and beyond
Many racing fans love other sports too. A horse racing poster looks great alongside prints from our other sports collections:
- For fans of speed: pair Frankel or Frankie Dettori with our Formula 1 posters and MotoGP posters.
- For traditional British sports fans: combine racing with our guide to the most famous cricketers, our golf posters and our rugby posters.
- For Olympic fans: explore our guides to the most famous athletes in the UK and Ireland and the most famous swimmers and divers.
- For football and boxing fans: add a racing legend to our football posters or boxing posters.
- For a pub-style wall: racing prints look perfect next to our London pub posters.
Browse every sport in one place in our sports posters collection.
How to choose the perfect horse racing poster
Jockey or horse?
Some fans follow jockeys, others follow horses. A jockey poster celebrates a career and a personality, like Frankie Dettori's flying dismount or AP McCoy's 20 titles. A racehorse poster celebrates a single champion, like Red Rum, Frankel or Arkle, and often appeals to people who simply love horses, even if they rarely watch racing.
Flat or jumps?
Choose a flat racing poster for fans of Royal Ascot, the Derby and the Classics, and a jump racing poster for fans of the Cheltenham Festival, the Grand National and Boxing Day racing.
Choose the right size and room
| Room | Best size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Living room or study | A2 or A1 | A classic statement piece above a fireplace or sofa |
| Country kitchen or boot room | A3 | Perfect with a traditional, rural look |
| Equestrian bedroom | A3 or A2 | Ideal for young riders and pony club members |
| Pub, bar or man cave | A2 or A1 | Bold racing art for a social space |
| Gallery wall | A4 or A3 | Group several jockeys and horses together |
Horse racing gifts
Looking for a gift for a racing fan? A poster of their favourite jockey or racehorse is a thoughtful and affordable horse racing gift for birthdays, Christmas, Father's Day or before a big day out at Cheltenham, Aintree or Ascot. It also makes a lovely gift for anyone who rides or simply loves horses. For something unique, try a personalised poster, or browse our guide to gifts for him under £20.
Why buy from 98types
Every 98types print is designed and printed in England, at our studio in Camden, London. Our horse racing posters start from just £3, with free UK delivery and same-day dispatch. Build your gallery wall with our Buy 3, Get 1 FREE offer, and don't miss our £100 shopping voucher draw every Sunday. Shop all horse racing posters.
Frequently asked questions about famous jockeys and racehorses
Who is the most famous jockey in the world?
Frankie Dettori is the most famous jockey in the world, known for his Magnificent Seven at Ascot in 1996 and his flying dismount. Sir AP McCoy is the most famous jump jockey, with 20 champion jockey titles.
Who is the greatest racehorse of all time?
Frankel is widely considered the greatest racehorse of all time. He won all 14 of his races, including 10 Group 1s. In jump racing, Arkle is regarded as the greatest steeplechaser ever.
Which horse has won the most Grand Nationals?
Red Rum has won the most Grand Nationals, with three victories in 1973, 1974 and 1977. Tiger Roll won it twice, in 2018 and 2019.
Who was the first woman to win the Grand National?
Rachael Blackmore was the first woman to win the Grand National, riding Minella Times in 2021. She also won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2022.
Who has won the most champion jockey titles?
Sir AP McCoy won 20 consecutive champion jump jockey titles in Britain, the most in history. Lester Piggott was champion flat jockey 11 times.
Who has won the Derby the most times?
Lester Piggott has won the Derby a record nine times.
Who is the most successful jockey at the Cheltenham Festival?
Ruby Walsh is the most successful jockey in the history of the Cheltenham Festival.
What is the difference between flat racing and jump racing?
Flat racing has no obstacles and runs mainly in spring and summer, with races such as the Derby and Royal Ascot. Jump racing, or National Hunt, is run over hurdles and fences, mainly in autumn and winter, and includes the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National.
What is a good gift for a horse racing fan?
A poster of their favourite jockey or racehorse is a thoughtful and affordable gift for a racing fan. At 98types, horse racing posters start from £3 with free UK delivery.
Celebrate your racing heroes
From Arkle and Red Rum to Frankel and Constitution Hill, and from Lester Piggott to Rachael Blackmore, British and Irish horse racing is full of heroes worth celebrating. With a new generation of jockeys led by Hollie Doyle and Billy Loughnane, the future of the sport looks just as exciting as its past.
Whether you never miss a day at Cheltenham, place your one bet of the year on the Grand National or simply love horses, there is a legend on this list for you. Put them on your wall and relive the greatest moments in racing every day.
They're off! Shop our horse racing posters – prints from £3, free UK delivery, same-day dispatch, and Buy 3, Get 1 FREE.
Can't find your favourite jockey or horse? Request your own poster and our studio in Camden will design it for you.