Ipswich congratulates champion jockey Jim Byrne New

Date: 06-Apr-2026

The Ipswich Turf Club was proud to recognise the achievements of Champion jockey Jim Byrne at our Easter Monday race meeting.

Byrne recently made the decision to retire from race riding after a career spanning four decades.

The seven-times Group 1 winning jockey had a wonderful affinity with the Ipswich circuit, winning nine Premierships here, along with three Ipswich Cups, three Eye Liner Stakes and two Gai Waterhouse Classics.

It is believed no rider has ridden more winners at Ipswich than Jim Byrne.

Newly appointed Racing Queensland board member Kim Daly made a presentation to the rider, as did ITC Chief Executive Nathan Exelby, who presented him with a framed photograph documenting his amazing Ipswich record.

Byrne now holds a key role with the Queensland Jockeys Association and intends to maintain a close relationship with racing.

Speaking at Ipswich, Byrne thanked his family and fellow riders for their long time support, dating back to his apprenticeship in the late 1980s.

Byrne also made an emotional mention of his former boss, the late Pat Duff, who took the young rider under his wing and gave him an opportunity in a sport that would go on to compete in with distinction over such a long period.

Back to list