Patrick Anthony Culhane was born in Manchester on March 13, 1969. He rode horses from an early age and was always intent on becoming a jockey. Rather than taking part in gymkhanas, he preferred to pull up his stirrups and ‘ride short’ in the fashion of which he hoped to become accustomed.
On leaving school, Tony sought advice on how best to enter the world of racing. One day he went with his father to Doncaster Sales where they met Jonjo O’Neill. Jonjo advised Tony to apply to Reg Hollinshead for an apprenticeship. In March 1985, Tony went to Hollinshead’s Upper Longdon stable for a week’s trial. He enjoyed it so much that, when he came home, he packed his bags and returned straight to the yard.
Tony’s first ride in public was on Peter’s Kiddie at York on September 5, 1985, finishing last of eight in the Polycell-Willie Carson Apprentice Challenge Handicap. He finished last on him again next time out at Redcar 12 days later. Things could only get better from there.
He rode his first winner on Mariner’s Dream in a long-distance handicap at Catterick on April 30, 1986, coming home 2½ lengths clear for a 25-1 success. He rode a further eight winners that year, including Absheer for Steve Norton in a televised apprentice race at Ayr in October, and on North Pacific, also at Ayr, his first ride for Lambourn trainer Paul Cole.
Tony went on to enjoy a 25-year career as a jockey. Among the best horses he rode was the sprinter Quito, on whom he won 14 races including the 2003 Ayr Gold Cup.
His career suffered a setback when, in July 2007, he received a twelve-month ban on a corruption charge after admitting to passing on information. However, he bounced back from that and recorded one of his most important success when winning the 2009 Northumberland Plate on the Mick Channon-trained Som Tala.
He announced his retirement in 2013, having ridden over 1,200 winners in Britain and almost 2,000 worldwide in six different countries during a career spanning some 28 years. His best seasons were in 2003 and 2004 when he twice exceeded 100 winners.
He is now the main work rider for Lancashire Racing Stables.
Biggest wins:
1988: King George V Handicap - Thethingaboutitis
2003: Ayr Gold Cup – Quito
2005: Redcar Two-Year-old Trophy – Misu Bond
2006: European Free Handicap – Misu Bond
2009: Northumberland Plate – Som Tala
