Graham Lee (jockey)

Graham Lee (jockey)

Graham Lee (born 16 December 1975 in Galway, Ireland) is a successful Irish jockey in Great Britain and Ireland. Prior to May 2006, he was the main stable jockey for John Howard Johnson, but was replaced by Paddy Brennan, allegedly after a disagreement over his return from an injury. Lee became the main stable jockey and deputy trainer for Ferdy Murphy, where he would remain until March 2012. In 2008 Lee attained the feat of being only the fourth National Hunt jockey to be placed in the first two positions in the National Hunt Jockey's Championship in ten years (following Robert Thornton, Richard Johnson and Timmy Murphy), at the time displacing Richard Johnson. In 2009, Lee began riding for newly licensed trainer Rose Dobbin, wife of jockey Tony Dobbin, in addition to his work for Murphy.

Although his profile had dipped sharply among the ranks since joining Murphy, Lee has come very much back into the sport's consciousness through his involvement with several improving chasers and hurdlers, and moving into second place in the 2007-08 jockeys championship. He rode his 1000th career winner on 7 January 2012.

Graham Lee also spends a lot of his time working with former Middlesbrough FC fitness coach Chris Barnes working in the gym improving on fitness and injury recovery times.

Following a series of serious injuries he announced that he would switch from National Hunt to flat racing in April 2012. He previously endured a stint as a flat jockey in 1995 and has always held a dual license. He will ride primarily for Jim Goldie.