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Jim Culloty
Champion Jockey

Winner of The Kerry Sports Star Awards 2002
Winner of Cheltenham Gold Cup 2003 This young man from the town of Killarney, Co. Kerry, achieved the near- impossible in 2002, when he rode "Bindaree" to victory at the English Grand National, the greatest steeplechase in the world. Weeks later, Jim added the Gold Cup to his tally of wins as he took on the cream of the chasers from three nations, and riding "Best Mate", he beat them fair and square. In August of 2002, Jim spoke on Radio Kerry of his achievements.

Jim Culloty's Gold Cup and Grand National wins must rate as some of the greatest ever achievements on the sporting field by any Irishman. It was a long journey from Killarney, where his father Donal runs an accountancy business while two of his brothers, Don and Mike, are also qualified accountants.

At 18 years of age, Jim Culloty left Killarney and got a job in Cornwall with David Bloomfield who ran a point for point yard. Culloty spent a year with him, followed by two years with Jackie Tetter, and was crowned champion jockey amateur in his first season with best mates Henrietta Knight, whose husband Terry Biddlecombe has undoubtedly been a huge influence in Culloty's career.

Last year 2003, Jim won his second Gold Cup in a row on Best Mate, a feat last achieved 30 years ago. Now the big question is can he make it three in a row on Best Mate and follow in the hoof prints of the Great Arkle.

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Part 1 >> Jim talks about how he became a jockey. His father Donal recalls Jim's younger years. Jim talks about how injuries have affected him, and the relationship between jockeys
and their horses.
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Part 2 >> How has celebrity affected them? Future plans are discussed.
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