Gerry Madden was born in Galway on July 22, 1931. He was apprenticed to Willie O'Grady in Tipperary, and rode his first winner at Limerick Junction in 1950. In 1952, he came to England and Fulke Walwyn and became stable jockey from 1957 to 1961.
During that time he rode the great chaser Mandarin to win the 1957 Hennessy Gold Cup and the King George in both 1957 and 1959. He also rode the horse every day in his work.
Gerry Madden died on May 19, 1987 at his home in Lambourn. He was 55 and had been ill for some time.
He left a widow, Bridget, three daughters and two grandchildren.