An Interview with Barry Geraghty

Barry Geraghty was at the top for twenty years.

He won the Grand National in 2003 on Monty’s Pass and the Irish one in 2014 on Shutthefrontdoor. There were also two consecutive King Georges on Kicking King (who was also the first of his Cheltenham Gold Cups), and many brilliant days on Moscow Flyer. In his native Ireland he was equally successful, winning five Punchestown Gold Cups, two Champion Hurdles and the jockey Championship twice.

During a successful partnership with Nicky Henderson, Barry won on Bobs Worth at three consecutive Festivals, culminating in the 2013 Gold Cup. Other notable successes include Simonsig, the first of Sprinter Scare’s Champion Chases in 2013 and a Champion Hurdle on Punjabi. Barry shone the brightest at the Cheltenham Festival, winning 43 races including five Champion Chases, two World Hurdles, two Gold Cups and four Champion Hurdles.

After AP McCoy retired in 2015, Geraghty took over being No 1 jockey for JP McManus. The combination shared that memorable Festival in 2020 when they had five winners. Unbeknown at the time, including what was Barry’s final win, Saint Roi in the County Hurdle.

Barry and his wife Paula live in Skryne, County Meath with daughters Síofra and Órla, and son Rían.

Which were your favourite racecourses?
'In Ireland, it’s Fairyhouse, for the great atmosphere at its big Festivals and Navan, which is a really stiff track with a big chase course. In the UK, Cheltenham is where you want to win and Ascot, like Navan, the cream usually comes to the top.'

What was your favourite meeting?
'I've been very lucky to have ridden many big winners, but for me the Grand National was the Holy Grail of National Hunt racing.'

What was your favourite big winner and your favourite horse?
'Moscow Flyer and Sprinter Sacre were head and shoulders above their opposition in their prime, but Bobs Worth was like a pet to me. Having owned him as a youngster, he always had a lovely gentle personality. He, also, had a brilliant career.'

What was the best advice you were given?
'To "take your time", whether that's in life or in racing. You should never make a rushed decision.'

How do you best describe your character?
'I have always been a glass half full to overflowing.'

What is your favourite food and drink?
'A good curry and a glass of red wine.'