Denis O'Regan

Denis O'Regan is a retired Irish jockey who competed in National Hunt racing and won seven Grade 1 races. In November 2023 he became the first jockey to ride a winner at every active National Hunt racecourse in Britain and Ireland. He retired after riding at Navan on 18 November 2023.

Background The son of a cattle farmer and a publican, O'Regan was born in March 1982 in Youghal, County Cork, and gained experience in pony racing and drag hunting before becoming a jockey.

Career as a jockey O'Regan gained his first winner on All Honey for trainer Francis Flood in a bumper at Listowel when he was riding as an amateur jockey in April 2001. His rode his first winner as a professional on Rupununi for Frank Ennis in a maiden hurdle at Listowel in September 2003, soon after he had taken out a licence. His first major win was on Ansar, trained by Dermot Weld, in the Galway Plate in 2005.

O'Regan gained his first Grade 1 win on Offshore Account, trained by Charlie Swan, in the 2007 Hanover Quay Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown.

In November 2008 O'Regan rode Black Appalachi to victory over Grand National fences in the Becher Chase at Aintree for Dessie Hughes. The partnership came second in the 2010 Grand National, beaten five lengths by Tony McCoy on Don't Push It. After the race O'Regan said: "He was a bit keen early on but once he settled into a lovely rhythm he was fantastic. It's a pleasure to ride a horse like him round here." At the same meeting he rode Tidal Bay to victory in the Grade 1 Maghull Novices' Chase. He retired after riding at Navan on 18 November 2023.

Personal life O'Regan lives in Ireland with his wife Louise and two sons.

Major wins Ireland Hanover Quay Champion Novice Chase - (1) - Offshore Account (2007) Drinmore Novice Chase - (1) - Beacon Edge (2021)

Great Britain Arkle Challenge Trophy - (1) - Tidal Bay (2008) Stayers' Hurdle - (1) - Inglis Drever (2008) Maghull Novices' Chase - (1) - Tidal Bay (2008) Fighting Fifth Hurdle - (1) - Countrywide Flame (2012) Finale Juvenile Hurdle - (1) - Ruacana (2012)