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.[3] 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.[3] He became a professional jockey in 1986.[5] Some of the 'major' races he won include:
Notable wins
- International Hurdle 1987 (Pat's Jester)[3]
- Great Yorkshire Chase 1991 (Dalkey Sound), 1994 (Carbisdale)[6]
- Future Champion Novices' Chase 1993 (Cab On Target)[6]
- Tingle Creek Chase 1993 (Sybillin)[6]
- Fighting Fifth Hurdle 1994 (Batabanoo)[6]
- RSA Chase 1994 (Monsieur Le Cure)[6]
- Liverpool Hurdle 1995 (Cab on Target), 1998 (Marello)[3]
- Maghull Novices' Chase 1996 (Ask Tom)[6]
- Eider Chase 1995 (Willsford), 1997 (Seven Towers)[6]
- Midlands Grand National 1997 (Seven Towers)[6]
Grand National
He rode in the Grand National on six occasions:
- 1991 Grand National Hotplate (Pulled up 22nd)[6]
- 1992 Grand National Rubika (Finished 14th)[6]
- 1994 Grand National Mr Boston (Fell at the 13th)[6]
- 1995 Grand National Superior Finish (Unseated rider at the 10th)[6]
- 1997 Grand National Avro Anson (Finished 6th)[6]
- 2000 Grand National Hollybank Buck (Finished 10th)[6]
Awards
- Lester Award: Jump Jockey of the Year 1991[7]
- Lester Award: Jump Jockey Special Recognition Award 2000[8]