Graham Lee (jockey)
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Graham Lee (born December 16, 1975 in Galway, Republic of Ireland) is a successful National Hunt jockey in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Prior to May 2006, he was the main stable jockey for Howard Johnson, but was replaced by Pat Brennan for unrevealed reasons. Shortly after, he became the main stable jockey for Ferdy Murphy.
He is also an occasional presenter on Channel 4 's The Morning Line.
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[edit] Career
Lee joined the Howard Johnson team permanantly in 2002, after leaving the stables of Malcolm Jefferson. Lee held freelance status, and rode for many other trainers during these years, most notably Ginger McCain. Now with stables of Ferdy Murphy, Lee maintains freelance status.
[edit] Achievements
[edit] Wetherby
In an autumn meeting of 2003 at Wetherby Racecourse, Lee achieved one of his most famous feats, by winning a quintuple of races. This achievement secured a win of over £500,000 for one Tote placepot gambler.
[edit] Grand National
After managing to take third place with the horse in the 2003 race, in 2004 Lee won the Grand National on Amberleigh House. The horse is trained by Ginger McCain, who famously trained three time winner Red Rum. The success could not be repeated, however, as the horse achieved only tenth place in 2005, and was finally retired after being pulled up at the 21st fence.
[edit] Grey Abbey
Victorious in the Scottish National in 2004, by riding topweight Grey Abbey to win by a distance Lee became one of only three jockeys, along with Brian Fletcher and Ruby Walsh, to achieve a "Grand National Double". The horse was sent to the 2005 Cheltenham Gold Cup, where Lee again took the ride (his one and only ride in the race) but it was reported that the horse was injured during the race, which is thought to be the reason for it finishing fifth. Lee, however, went on to win Top Jockey for the Cheltenham Festival. Subsequently, Grey Abby retired just over a week before the 2006 race. In March, 2006, it was reported that Grey Abbey's trainer, Howard Johnson, would bring him out of retirement for the 2006 Scottish National, but this plan was not put into action.
[edit] Previous Stables
Noel Meade - After a successful stint on the Irish Pony Circuit, Lee left school at the age of 15 to join the stable.
Dessie McDonogh - Based in County Meath, this was Lee's last position in Ireland before moving to England.
Mary Reveley - During this stint, Lee was a minor jockey, not riding many high profile horses. He also suffered a horiffic knee injury, from which it took more than seven months to recover.
Bill Haigh - Here, recovering from his severe injury problems, Lee rose to the top ten in the Jockey Championship.
Malcolm Jefferson - A successful stint for Lee which secured him the lucrative position with Howard Johnson, and fifth place in the jockey championship.
[edit] Personal life
Lee comes from a very sporting family. His grandfather, Matthew Lee, played for Kilmarnock FC as well as being capped for his national team. His brother, Malcolm Lee was a flat jockey, as is his cousin Dean Mernagh. He is an in-law relation to another jockey, Shane Kelly, through his paternal grandfather.
He is married with one daughter.
