Goodwood: Six-time Sussex Stakes winner Pat Eddery dies

Pat Eddery partners Rainbow Quest to Clive Graham Stakes at Goodwood in 1985

The Irishman claimed six Sussex Stakes titles at the Glorious festival during a glittering career in the saddle.

He partnered Posse (1980), Kings Lake (1981), Warning (1988), Marling (1992), Distant View (1994) and Reel Buddy (2003) to triumphs in the Group 1 mile race on the Downs, where he also saddled his first turf winner as a trainer in 2006.

Eddery, who was crowned champion jockey 11 times, notched three Nassau Stakes wins at Glorious.

He joined forces with talented fillies Dancing Rocks (1982), Free Guest (1985) and Ela Romara (1988) to snatch those crowns.

Eddery, who was born in Newbridge, County Kildare, won a total of 14 British Classics.

Those triumphs included three Derby wins, a hat-trick of 2,000 Guineas titles and four St Leger successes.

He partnered more than 4,600 winners in all. Only Sir Gordon Richards has ridden more winners than him in Britain.

And he also won four Arcs and was aboard Dancing Brave for his breathtaking triumph in 1986.

Goodwood clerk of the course Seamus Buckley said he was saddened by news Eddery had passed away.

He told us: “Everyone within the racing industry will be devastated to hear of the sad death of Pat, I have known him many years and we are the same age.

“He really was an outstanding jockey – his drive and style will always be remembered. He rode Goodwood perfectly and he will be remembered for all his great success here.”

Watch the video of Eddery’s beautifully-timed Sussex Stakes win on Posse in 1980.