Jason Titley, born prematurely in Scotlan
d on March 2 1971, while his parents were on holiday, was the winning jockey on Royal Athlete in the 1994 Grand National.
Jason grew up in Shannon, Co. Clare and, following a typical jockey's path, competed in pony club events.
His first winner came at the age of 17 when riding Capincur Lady at Limerick. His first major winner came some four years later riding How's the Boss, 20/1, to victory in the 1992 Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle. Then came his winning Cheltenham debut; My View in the Coral Golden Hurdle Final. This was quickly followed by success in the Jameson Irish Grand National on Vanton. Jason then rode Natalie's Fancy to victory in the Galway Hurdle.
He turned freelance in 1994 and began picking up useful rides in England. One such ride came from Jenny Pitman who had entered five horses in the National and was looking for someone to ride Royal Athlete. Pitman would have preferred the horse to contest the Scottish Grand National, but its owners had insisted on Aintree.
They were right. Royal Athlete jumped superbly throughout to run out an easy winner.
Jason then had a spell as stable jockey to Henrietta Knight and Terry Biddlecombe before returning
to Ireland.Riding a horse in Thurles in November, 2001, Jason made a snap decision to retire.
He took over the running of the family pub in Quin, Co. Clare.