21 December 2023 , 13:30
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Rossa Ryan has been officially crowned the most prolific jockey of 2023.
The 23-year-old hit the magic 200-winner mark with a double at Lingfield on Wednesday, emulating the two other riders to reach the figure in the last five years, William Buick and Oisin Murphy.
Ryan stretched his lead over Murphy to 23 and 34 over Buick, who are both riding overseas, to secure a £5,000 prize. In the jockey’s best year he partnered 120 winners but during 2023 recorded his first victory at Group 1 level when winning the July Cup on Shaquille.
“It's been a long year, a huge team effort, and I can't thank everyone enough for this support they've given me to all the owners, trainers, stable staff, and my riding agent Steve, Thank you,” he said..
“Now it's time for a break. It'll be short though, as we plan to go again in the new year. We want to prove it's not a one off. It's been tough, but I've enjoyed the challenge to tick all the boxes that we set out at the start of the year and more. It's been fantastic. I want to better my total every year, consistency is key, and I think working hard in the winter pays off in the summer.”
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Ryan, son of Co Galway trainer David, was champion apprentice tin 2017, and has quickly established himself in the top rank of Flat riders.
His agent Steve Croft said: “I'm really proud of the work Rossa has done this year, he's ridden out of his skin, especially over the past ten days to get his final target done. It's been tough, but really rewarding, so you can't complain. He's a very talented jockey and we just keep our heads down letting his riding do the talking.”