Racing's Future: Jack Gilligan
“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.
Meet Jack Gilligan
19-year-old Jack Gilligan was born and raised in Newmarket, England – a town known for its Thoroughbred culture. After completing all of his schooling at the age of 16, he attended the British Racing School and rode his first race just before his 17th birthday. He is now a jockey on the Kentucky circuit.
How did you become interested in horse racing?
My dad was a trainer in England for 25 years and was training winners since before I was born. So I was just born into it. My mother was an assistant trainer, as well, for another stable, so my path into horse racing was inevitable.
What do you love about horse racing?
The beauty, the thrill and the history.
Why have you chosen to pursue a career as a jockey?
I've wanted to be a jockey since before I can remember. I don't remember there being a time I didn't want to be one!
What have been some of your biggest accomplishments in that career thus far?
Riding seven winners in one weekend, including two triples, and riding allowance winners at Churchill and Kentucky Downs, at big odds. The Kentucky Downs win was at 62-1, by a nose.
And getting a lot of places in stakes races.
Who are some of the people you admire in the industry and why?
Ryan Moore and Tony McCoy, both considered to be the best jockeys of this generation. I admire them because of their professionalism, work ethic and consistency. Tony McCoy is also teetotal and so am I, so I've just got to tick the others off!
What aspects of horse racing do you wish you knew more about?
The breeding side. I like to think I'm pretty clued up on the actual racing side of things, but I've always been interested in the breeding. My plan and goal for after I stop being a jockey is to get into breeding. I will enjoy learning about something completely new but yet will still be close to horse racing.
What racetracks have you been to?
Almost all of the 57 in England. And in the USA I've been to Keeneland, Churchill Downs, Del Mar, Ellis Park, Turfway Park, Indiana Grand, Belterra Park and Tampa Bay Downs.
What is your favorite racetrack? Why?
I've got three that are all head to head. Keeneland because it’s the place everyone wants to win at. It's beautiful and has a great atmosphere. I work horses there most days, as I'm based in Lexington, so it's like my home track now.
Churchill Downs because I've won some nice races there. And on Derby Day nowhere can compare.
And Del Mar. I just rode two races there but it was one of my favorite weekends. The setting was beautiful and I just loved every minute of being there!
Of the racetracks you have not been to, which one do you want to visit most?
Saratoga. Nearly everyone I meet says that's their favorite track. I want to see what all the fuss is about!
What are your favorite moments in your “horse racing life” thus far?
Riding my first winner at Newbury, and it was for my father. And my first winner at Churchill Downs; it was on one of my favorite fillies to ride, La Jolla d'Oro.
Who are your favorite racehorses of your lifetime? Before your lifetime?
Sea the Stars, Frankel and American Pharaoh.
Secretariat.
If you could change something about the industry, what would you change?
Nothing really jumps out at me. I think the system works okay.
What do you think is preventing horse racing from being a more popular sport?
The perception in the public eye. I think the drugs have cast a bad shadow on the sport in America.
What do you think is the most common misconception about horse racing?
That the jockeys have no use and don't need skill. And that we just go around whipping the whole way!
How would you convince someone who is not an avid follower of horse racing to begin following the sport?
Show them the history of the sport.
What is one thing you aspire to personally accomplish someday in the horse racing industry?
I would like to be respected as a top jockey one day.