Billy Lee becomes Ireland’s Champion Jockey, first Limerick winner since 1961

Billy Lee of Ballingarry was crowned Ireland’s Champion Jockey at the end of the season on the Curragh, becoming the first Limerick man to win the title since Liam Ward in 1961.

The 40‑year‑old rider recorded 99 winners this calendar year, the highest total of rides (almost 650) and victories for any jockey in the country. He aims to reach the 100‑winner mark next term.

Lee’s success was largely backed by Tipperary trainer Paddy Twomey, who supplied over 30 of the wins, including the lucrative Goffs Million on Trean. In total, Lee rode winners for 22 different trainers.

In the Champion Apprentice division, 24‑year‑old Paddy Harnett of Abbeyfeale secured the title with 29 wins, highlighted by a treble at Punchestown.

Lee thanked his supporters, saying the championship belongs as much to them as to him, while Harnett described his achievement as a “massive milestone” in his racing career.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: Bence Szemerey / Pexels.