Jessica Harrington

Jessica Jane Harrington (née Fowler, born 12 February 1947)[1] is an Irish professional horse trainer. Harrington specialises in National Hunt racing but has also had success in Flat racing.

Personal life

Harrington was born in London. Her father was Brigadier Bryan Fowler, an officer in the British Army, and her mother was Mary Walford. Bryan Fowler was originally from Kells, County Meath and served with the Royal Artillery in both World Wars, and married Mary, who was a widow, in 1944. She had two children from her previous marriage.[1] Harrington had an older brother, John Fowler, who was also a racehorse trainer and died in an accident in 2008 at their family estate in Summerhill, County Meath.[2] Bryan Fowler left the army in 1949 and returned with his family to Ireland where Harrington spent her childhood. She did not go to school until she was aged twelve, being tutored. She then went to school at Hatherop in England for four years before going to a Finishing school in France.[1]

Harrington was married to David Lloyd at the age of 21; their marriage ended in 1976 and they had two children, James and Tara. Harrington later married bloodstock agent Johnny Harrington and remained married to him until his death from cancer in April 2014.[3] Together the couple had two daughters, Emma and Kate. As well, Jessica and Johnny had three sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law and seven grandchildren.[4][5]

Professional life

Even before Harrington got her training permit in 1989,[6] she had earned a reputation for being one of Ireland's top three-day event riders. She represented her country with credit on three levels: European, World and Olympic. In 1994, Harrington's horse Oh So Grumpy earned himself (and indirectly Harrington) a “landmark success” at the Galway Hurdle. A couple of years later Dance Beat picked up Leopardstown's Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle.[7] By 1996 Harrington had earned a reputation for being linked to high-profile horses. She then went on to enjoy seven Cheltenham Festival victories, rendering her "one of the most successful current Irish trainers at the meeting." Her most notable horses include: Moscow Flyer, Curtain Call, Bible Belt, Pathfork and Laughing Lashes.[8] On 17 March 2017 she won the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Sizing John. Exactly one month later on 17 April Harrington won the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse racecourse. It was a first win, in both races, for both Harrington and local rider Robbie Power.[9]

Wins

Over the years Harrington earned a reputation on the Flat. In September 2010 Pathfork won the National Stakes.[10]

Major wins

Ireland

Great Britain

France

References
  1. Clower, Michael (2007). Kings of the Turf. London: Aurum. pp. 191–205. ISBN 1845132793.
  2. Mathieson, Amy. "Irish racehorse trainer John Fowler killed by falling tree". horseandhound.co.uk. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  3. O'Hehir, Tony. "Henderson leads tributes to Johnny Harrington". Racing Post. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  4. Anderson, Nicola. "World of horse racing comes out in force to pay respects to two stalwarts". Irish News. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  5. Byrne, Katie (27 August 2017). "Top trainer Jessica Harrington on her unbridled passion for life". Independent.ie. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  6. "Jessica Harrington". British Champions Series. Retrieved 25 November 2017.
  7. "Meet Jessica Harrington". Jessica Harrington. Retrieved 25 November 2017.
  8. "Juvenile Filly Laughing Lashes Captures Group 2 stakes". Runnymede Farm. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  9. "Duke Takes Irish National In Impressive Style". 17 April 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  10. "Jessica Harrington". British Champions Series. Archived from the original on 23 December 2015. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
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