Patrick Michael Cowley was born in Dublin on September 28, 1932.
Having served his apprenticeship in Ireland with trainer B Nugent, rode his first winner, Anthony Wakefield, in His Majesty’s Plate, a two-and-a-quarter mile Flat race at Bellewstown, on July 7, 1949. When he moved to England he lived at 46, The Green, Woodmancote, Cheltenham.
He was retained by Peter Doherty and Hugh Sumner but suffered his fair share of injuries including a broken thigh, pelvis, ribs and fingers. His collarbone became a surgeon’s souvenir and he lost part of an ear.
The highlights of Paddy’s career in the saddle were his two Welsh Grand National wins on Motel (1963) and Royal Toss (1967). He also won the 1960 Champion Novices' Chase at Wolverhampton on Look.
He later trained for a short period but died, aged 59, in January 1992. His son Simon also became a jumps jockey and formed a successful association with Jim Old’s good hurdler Mole Board.
He now works as a stipendiary steward.
Article by Chas Hammond
