Legendary Kildare jockey to be immortalised by having Ascot race named after him

Legendary Irish jockey Pat Eddery will have a race at Royal Ascot named in his honour following his death in November of last year. Eddery, a native of Newbridge, was one of the greatest jockeys of all time and his list of achievements in the sport is quite staggering.

The Listed Winkfield Stakes, the opening event on King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes day, will now be named the Wooldridge Group Pat Eddery Stakes. It will be a seven-furlong race. The late jockey's daughters Natasha and Nicola will present the trophies to the victorious jockey.

"As a family, we all agreed that our fondest, most cherished memories of Dad's incredible racing career were at Ascot racecourse. While Dad had so much success all over the world, Ascot was one of his favourites by far. We are all so grateful that Ascot has chosen to honour his legacy on King George day. Dad would be so very proud," said Natasha Eddery.

In a career that spanned more than 30 years, Eddery was crowned British Flat Race Champion jockey 11 times, while he also won the Epsom Derby on three different occasions. He also rode winners in the 2000 Guineas three times during his career.

Following his retirement in 2003, Eddery went into training, although his career as a trainer was much less successful than his stint as a jockey. He divorced his wife in 2009, and also had problems with alcohol addiction before his death last year.