Peter Niven Explained

Peter Niven (b. 7 Aug 1964)^[1] is a retired British jump jockey in National Hunt racing.^[2] In May 2001 he became the first Scotsman and sixth jockey to ride over 1,000 winners, eventually retiring in September that year with 1002 winners.^[3] At the time of his retirement he was the only jockey to have won five races in a day on four occasions.^[4] He is now a racehorse trainer.

Racing career

Niven won his first race at Sedgefield in 1984 on a horse called Loch Brandy. After struggling for a few years to make his way in the sport, he teamed up with Mary Reveley at her Saltburn stables in Clevelend soon forging a formidable partnership. He became a professional jockey in 1986.^[5] Some of the 'major' races he won include:

Notable wins

• International Hurdle 1987 (Pat's Jester)
• Great Yorkshire Chase 1991 (Dalkey Sound), 1994 (Carbisdale)^[6]
• Future Champion Novices' Chase 1993 (Cab On Target)
• Tingle Creek Chase 1993 (Sybillin)
• Fighting Fifth Hurdle 1994 (Batabanoo)
• RSA Chase 1994 (Monsieur Le Cure)
• Liverpool Hurdle 1995 (Cab on Target), 1998 (Marello)
• Maghull Novices' Chase 1996 (Ask Tom)
• Eider Chase 1995 (Willsford), 1997 (Seven Towers)
• Midlands Grand National 1997 (Seven Towers)

Grand National

He rode in the Grand National on six occasions:

• 1991 Grand National Hotplate (Pulled up 22nd)
• 1992 Grand National Rubika (Finished 14th)
• 1994 Grand National Mr Boston (Fell at the 13th)
• 1995 Grand National Superior Finish (Unseated rider at the 10th)
• 1997 Grand National Avro Anson (Finished 6th)
• 2000 Grand National Hollybank Buck (Finished 10th)

Awards

• Lester Award: Jump Jockey of the Year 1991^[7]
• Lester Award: Jump Jockey Special Recognition Award 2000^[8]

Notes and References

1. News: Birthdays . . 33 . Guardian Media . 7 Aug 2014 .
2. Web site: Leading jump jockey retires . https://archive.today/20130420123501/http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/competitionnews/395/40587.html . dead . 20 April 2013 . . 27 September 2001 . 6 November 2012 .
3. Web site: Niven - a racing great . . 27 September 2001 . 5 November 2012.
4. Web site: Jump racing's six of the best . BBC . 27 August 2002 . 5 November 2012.
5. Web site: Jump jockey Peter turns pro . . 6 January 1986 . 6 November 2012.
6. Web site: Peter Niven . The Aintree Database . 6 November 2012.
7. Web site: The Lesters - Past Winners . Professional Jockeys Association (United Kingdom) . 2009 . 6 November 2012.
8. Web site: Darley and McCoy voted top riders . . 1 April 2001 . 6 November 2012.