Paddy Brennan is a much respected Irish jump jockey, having enjoyed a solid 27-year career that wrapped up in April 2024.

Born in County Galway, he started out aiming to ride on the flat under Jim Bolger but switched to jumps because of his weight.

In 2000 Paddy moved to the UK, joining Paul Nicholls’ yard and soon made a name for himself earning the Champion Conditional jockey title in the 2004/05 season.

One of Paddy’s most notorious wins came in 2010 when he landed the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Imperial Commander, a notable highlight in his career. He also teamed up successfully with Cue Card, winning the 2015 King George VI Chase and some Betfair Chases along the way.

Other big wins included the 2007 World Hurdle on Inglis Drever with 18 Grade 1 victories overall. Working out of Gloucestershire with Fergal O’Brien towards the end of his career, he notched over 1,525 wins in Britain and Ireland.

Paddy retired after a win on Manothepeople at Cheltenham.

Paddy is now a co-presenter of the Unbridled series on Sky Sports and undertakes TV and radio appearances and other media work.

He hosts at key racing festivals and enjoys making personal appearances for sponsors and clients. He is also an ambassador for Free Bets.

2024 – Retired having ridden 1,525 winners in Britain and Ireland (including 18 Grade 1 wins)

2023 – Rode his 1,500th winner at Catterick (on Teonie)

2022 – Won the Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices’ Hurdle (on Knight Salute)
– Won a Lester for jump ride of the year winner

2018 – Won the Challow Novices’ Hurdle (on Poetic Rhythm)

2017 – Won the Ascot Chase on Cue Card

2016 – Won the Melling Chase (on God’s Own)
Won the Betway Bowl on Cue Card
Won the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase (on Royal Vacation)

2015 – Came 2nd in the Grand National (on Saint Are)
– Won the Betfair Chase (on Cue Card)
– Won the Charlie Hall Case at Wetherby (on Cue Card) plus a further 5 Grade One races on Cue Card

2011 – Won the Betway Bowl at Aintree (on Nacarat)

2010 – Won the Cheltenham Gold Cup (on Imperial Commander)
– Won the Aintree Hurdles 9on Khyber Kim)

2009 – Won the Run Air Chase at the Cheltenham Festival (on Imperial Commander)
– Won the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase at the Cheltenham festival (on Pigeon Island)
– Won the Manifesto Novices’ Chase (on Tartak)

2008 – Won the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham (on Imperial Commander)
– Won the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (on Pettifour)
– Won the Pertemps Final (on Ballyfitz)

2007 – Won the Stayers Hurdle at the Cheltenham festival (on Inglis Driver)
– Won the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (on Tidal Bay)

Over 100 winners in a season

2006 – First win at the Cheltenham Festival (on Shamayoun)
2005 – First Grade One win (on Ashley Brook) at Aintree
– Won a Lester Award for Conditional Jockey of the year
2004/05 – Champion Conditional jockey