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For obvious reasons it is very difficult to make  comparisons between the generations but, for me, the two outstanding jockeys in history are Piggott and Archer. These two had the kind of brilliance which separates the legendary from the great.
I’m a great admirer of Gordon Richards also, his numbers are astonishing and he was perhaps the greatest ambassador the sport has ever known.
Of current jockeys I feel that, in the context of greatness, history may well be kind to Fallon while the likes of Cauthen and Eddery, while always being recognised as having been the best around in their day, may never reach the legendary status of Piggott, Archer and Sir Gordon. <br>
Only those forumites over the age of 150 could form an objective opinion.
Theres a few around :o
I think Piggot was the one jockey that had people asking "how did he pull that off?"
Some might say the same about Fallon… NO I DIDNT SAY THAT :o
Cauthen is my fav from recent times. I have never been quite so confident about any jockey getting the absolute best out of any horse both in the actual race as well as the longer term too. His judge of pace was uncanny
Quote: from bluechariot on 6:52 am on Aug. 7, 2006[br]But Maurice, Cauthen was an Alcoholic surely that disqualifies him on your strict moral criteria.<br>
Archer was a manic depressive, but that didn’t stop him from being great :)
Is it possible to be brilliant and not be a bit of a psycho?  <br>Maybe an obsessive compulsion is needed to drive a true champion.
Sometimes heroes who possess flaws are judged less harshly. The legendary status of many rock stars is, in some cases, attributable more to their untimely demise at the hands of their personal demons than their musical contribution.
Hence, Piggott and Archer are seen to have not only been brilliant but also to have an aura of mystique and glamour surrounding them that somehow seems to make their achievements all the more remarkable.
This may be unfair in that, when compared with the doughty, workmanlike Richards who, despite his brilliance, could never be described as particularly glamorous or mysterious, they have an artificial edge.
That is why I think that Fallon may be judged well by history. The ‘flawed’ genius, whether he be musician, artist or sportsman, is often at an advantage in history. Presumably this is because their stories are intrinsically more human and interesting and they remain in the spotlight in a way that ensures the value of their  contribution to their chosen arena increases, over time, in the perception of those who judge such matters.<br>
Very interesting Cormack. How about Wild Thang… among so many spoilt middle-class brats in the ranks of the golfers! Not all, I know, but very well represented, imo.
(Edited by Grimes at 1:59 pm on Aug. 10, 2006)
Archer was a manic depressive, but that didn’t stop him from being great 🙂
Racing Daily possibly reads his books !
Pat Eddery , without any hesitation.
Respectfully , the previous poster stating about getting boxed in , needs to remember that his nickname was (without promoting any product ) Polyfilla Pat , as if there was a gap who would get in it.
So many jockeys on the Hall of Fame who cannot get anywhere near his level of achievements.
Perhaps some are influenced by media luvvies , and others soured that he succeeded Lester. Who knows ?It’s ultimately a game of opinions.
Mine is that, while Pat Eddery was a naturally-gifted rider, as I reckon I saw him tactically outridden by Steve Cauthen on many occasions I couldn’t have Eddery down as an all-time great.
The number of times Cauthen would get to the front, then slow the pace down before kicking on again while Eddery just sat at the back and watched it happen along with all the rest.
That’s part of why I believe Cauthen and Lester Piggott are the duo who stand out for me.
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