Graham Gibbons is a well-known jockey in the horse racing industry, having won numerous races throughout his career. He was born on September 21, 1981, in Ireland and started his career in the racing world at a young age. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of Graham Gibbons jockey wiki.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
As mentioned earlier, Graham Gibbons was born in Ireland and grew up in County Cork. He had a passion for horses from a young age and started riding horses when he was just four years old. Gibbons' family was also involved in horse racing, which further fueled his interest in the sport.
When he was 15 years old, Graham Gibbons left school to pursue a career in horse racing. He started working as an apprentice jockey and began riding in races for the first time. It was a challenging time for him as he had to balance his training and work with his education.
Professional Career and Accomplishments
Graham Gibbons' professional career began in 2000 when he received his jockey license. He made his debut at the Beverley racecourse in Yorkshire and went on to ride for various trainers and owners. Throughout his career, Gibbons has won over 700 races both in the UK and abroad.
Some of his notable accomplishments include winning the Epsom Dash in 2009, the Stewards' Cup in 2012, and the Prix de l'Abbaye in 2015. He has also won several other prestigious races and has consistently been ranked as one of the top jockeys in the UK.
Controversies and Challenges
Like many jockeys in the horse racing industry, Graham Gibbons has faced several controversies and challenges throughout his career. In 2007, he was suspended for six months for using cocaine, which led to him missing the entire 2008 season.
He also faced a ban in 2015 for failing a breath test at a racecourse. However, he has since returned to racing and continues to be a successful jockey.
Personal Life
Graham Gibbons is married and has three children. He is known to be a family man and often credits his family for his success. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and going fishing.
Conclusion
Graham Gibbons jockey wiki is a fascinating story of a talented jockey who has achieved significant success in the horse racing industry. Despite facing several challenges, he has persevered and continues to be a top jockey in the UK.