Patrick Rafferty
Patrick Joseph Rafferty started his racing career in Ireland with Paddy Prendergast, for whom he rode 16 winners in the late 1950s and early 60s. In 1958 his winners included Pinkson at Gowran Park in August, Alberta King at Baldoyle and Clear Patch at Mallow, both in September, and Bele Alys at Gowran in October.
Patrick Joseph Rafferty started his racing career in Ireland with Paddy Prendergast, for whom he rode 16 winners in the late 1950s and early 60s. In 1958 his winners included Pinkson at Gowran Park in August, Alberta King at Baldoyle and Clear Patch at Mallow, both in September, and Bele Alys at Gowran in October.
He lost his 7lb claim when winning a two-year-old fillies’ maiden on Say Less (right) at Naas on March 21, 1959 but continued to ride winners as a 5lb claimer, including three at the Curragh that year, namely Riqui in May, Francoscot in June and Rising Spring in September.
He lost his 7lb claim when winning a two-year-old fillies’ maiden on Say Less (right) at Naas on March 21, 1959 but continued to ride winners as a 5lb claimer, including three at the Curragh that year, namely Riqui in May, Francoscot in June and Rising Spring in September.
With opportunities becoming ever more limited in his homeland, Pat crossed the Irish Sea and continued his apprenticeship with Bill O’Gorman in Newmarket. His 5lb claim was seen to good effect when riding his first British winner on Gram Of Gold at Alexandra Park on April 16, 1962.
With opportunities becoming ever more limited in his homeland, Pat crossed the Irish Sea and continued his apprenticeship with Bill O’Gorman in Newmarket. His 5lb claim was seen to good effect when riding his first British winner on Gram Of Gold at Alexandra Park on April 16, 1962.
Pat returned to Ireland shortly afterwards. However, he came back to England in the spring of 1965 and recommenced his link with Bill O’Gorman, for whom he rode his comeback winner on King of Thule in a two-year-old maiden plate at Alexandra Park on May 12.
Pat returned to Ireland shortly afterwards. However, he came back to England in the spring of 1965 and recommenced his link with Bill O’Gorman, for whom he rode his comeback winner on King of Thule in a two-year-old maiden plate at Alexandra Park on May 12.
His second success came the following month, again at Alexandra Park, aboard the O’Gorman-trained Whistle Time in a two-year-old seller on June 30 (right). He had a total of 33 mounts that year but had just those two wins.
His second success came the following month, again at Alexandra Park, aboard the O’Gorman-trained Whistle Time in a two-year-old seller on June 30 (right). He had a total of 33 mounts that year but had just those two wins.
That, unfortunately, was as good as it got. Although Pat continued to hold a licence until 1968, he rode no more winners.
That, unfortunately, was as good as it got. Although Pat continued to hold a licence until 1968, he rode no more winners.