Under The Radar: Did Paddy Brennan Deserve More Plaudits

Rewind back almost two decades and British horse racing boasted a strong field of top calibre jockeys – arguably one of the best there has been in recent years.

At the time, there were two names that stuck out and got most of the attention – AP McCoy and Ruby Walsh – whatever each of them touched invariably turned to gold, though it begs the question, was there another that quietly went about his business under the radar?

A career that spanned over 25 years, with the jump jockey hanging up his saddle in April 2024, Paddy Brennan is one name that often escapes attention when reviewing some of the top jockeys of his generation.

Arguably the highlight of his career is when he upset the odds in the 2010 Gold Cup on the back of Imperial Commander – a very respectable 6/1 shot – and a great alternative to the heavily backed favourites, Kauto Star and Denman (respective winners of the previous two Gold Cups).

2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup – Imperial Commander pic.twitter.com/39Ck7Aru6g

— History of Horse Racing (@horsevault) February 9, 2023

In fact, it wasn’t even close – Brennan came from nowhere at the final fence to storm to an impressive victory leaving Denman trailing in his wake. Incidentally, AP was on Denman and Walsh on Kauto Star who fell at the 19th fence.

Considerable Amount Of Career Wins

Overall, Brennan stacked up a substantial amount of career wins – in total 1,520 plus 2,660 places out of 10,108 starts and in a modest field, was always a handy each/way option, while if one of either Walsh or AP were running, generally had great value for an on the nose bet.

Born in Ireland, he was based in Gloucestershire out of Fergal O’Brien’s stable and in addition to his Gold Cup triumph, he was the champion conditional jockey for the 2004/05 season – a great feat.

Despite not being from a horse racing background, like most Irish jockeys and having dreams of playing GAA, he had a pony in his youth that he went hunting on and gradually became accustomed to horse riding. When he decided to give horse racing a go, his intention was to be a flat jockey, though due to his weight, he switched to being a jump jockey, moving to the notable trainer, Paul Nicholls’ yard in 2000.

Paddy Brennan Factfile

Always one to upset the odds, he very nearly won the Grand National in 2015 when on the top of 25/1 shot, Saint Are, he came second to eventual winner, Many Clouds. Overall, he collected six Cheltenham wins throughout his career, which included his final race on Manothepeople in the Handicap Chase.

Out of all the jockeys that gained much publicity during his career, Brennan is certainly one who quietly went about his business, avoiding media attention and likely exceeded many people’s expectations in terms of some of the surprises that he sprung.