Jessica Jane Harrington (née Fowler, born 12 February 1947) is an Irish professional

horse trainer A horse trainer is a person who tends to horses and teaches them different disciplines. Some responsibilities trainers have are caring for the animals' physical needs, as well as teaching them good behaviors and/or coaching them for events, which ...

. Harrington specialises in

National Hunt racing National Hunt Racing, also known as Jump Racing, is a form of horse racing particular to many European countries, including, but not limited to: France, horse racing in Great Britain, Great Britain and horse racing in Ireland, Ireland. Jump Racin ...

but has also had success in

Flat racing Horse racing is an equestrianism, equestrian performance activity, typically involving two or more horses ridden by jockeys (or sometimes driven without riders) over a set distance for competition. It is one of the most ancient of all spor ...

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 Kells (; ) is a town in County Meath, Ireland. The town lies off the M3 motorway, from Navan and from Dublin. Along with other towns in County Meath, it is within the commuter belt for Dublin, and had a population of 6,608 as of the 2022 ce ...

and served with the

Royal Artillery The Royal Regiment of Artillery, commonly referred to as the Royal Artillery (RA) and colloquially known as "The Gunners", is one of two regiments that make up the artillery arm of the British Army. The Royal Regiment of Artillery comprises t ...

in both

World Wars A world war is an international conflict that involves most or all of the world's major powers. Conventionally, the term is reserved for two major international conflicts that occurred during the first half of the 20th century, World War I (19 ...

, and married Mary, who was a widow, in 1944. She had two children from her previous marriage. 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 Summerhill () is a heritage village in County Meath, Republic of Ireland, Ireland. It is located in the south of the county, between Trim, County Meath, Trim and Kilcock on the R158 road, R158 and west of Dunboyne on the R156 road, R156. It is ...

. 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

tutor Tutoring is private academic help, usually provided by an expert teacher; someone with deep knowledge or defined expertise in a particular subject or set of subjects. A tutor, formally also called an academic tutor, is a person who provides assis ...

ed. She then went to school at Hatherop in England for four years before going to a

Finishing school A finishing school focuses on teaching young women social graces and upper-class cultural rites as a preparation for entry into society. The name reflects the fact that it follows ordinary school and is intended to complete a young woman's ...

in France. 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. 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.

Professional life

Before Harrington got her training permit in 1989, she had earned a reputation for being one of Ireland's top three-day event riders. She represented her country 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 The Galway Hurdle is a National Hunt hurdle race in Ireland which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Galway over a distance of about 2 miles (2 miles and 11 yards, or 3,229 metres), ...

. A couple of years later Dance Beat picked up

Leopardstown Leopardstown (), historically called Ballinlore, is a suburb of Dublin, Republic of Ireland, Ireland, at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains. With institutional lands and a large racecourse, it is divided by the M50 motorway (Ireland), M50 motorw ...

's Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle. By 1996 Harrington had earned a reputation for being linked to high-profile horses. She then went on to enjoy seven

Cheltenham Festival The Cheltenham Festival is a horse racing-based meeting in the National Hunt racing calendar in the United Kingdom, with race prize money second only to the Grand National. The four-day festival takes place annually in March at Cheltenham Race ...

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. On 17 March 2017 she won the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Sizing John and the following month won the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse racecourse. It was a first win, in both races, for both Harrington and rider Robbie Power.

Major wins

Ireland *

Irish Gold Cup The Irish Gold Cup ( Irish: Corn Óir na hÉireann) is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase in Ireland which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Leopardstown over a distance of ...

-(1)

Sizing John Sizing John (foaled 13 May 2010) is a British-bred, Irish trained thoroughbred racehorse who competes in National Hunt racing. He is trained by Jessica Harrington and owned by Ann and Alan Potts, and is best known for winning the Cheltenham Gold ...

(2017) *

Irish 1,000 Guineas The Irish 1,000 Guineas is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile (1,609 metres), and it is sched ...

– (1)

Alpha Centauri Alpha Centauri (, α Cen, or Alpha Cen) is a star system in the southern constellation of Centaurus (constellation), Centaurus. It consists of three stars: Rigil Kentaurus (), Toliman (), and Proxima Centauri (). Proxima Centauri ...

(2018) *

Irish Oaks The Irish Oaks is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs (2,414 metres), and it ...

- (1) Magical Lagoon (2022) *

Irish Champion Hurdle The Irish Champion Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Ireland which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Leopardstown over a distance of about 2 miles (3,219 metres), and ...

- (2) Macs Joy (2005), Supasundae (2018) *

Punchestown Champion Hurdle The Punchestown Champion Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Ireland which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Punchestown over a distance of about 2 miles (3,219 metres), and duri ...

- (4)

Moscow Flyer Moscow Flyer (10 May 1994 – 21 October 2016) was an Irish-bred and -trained National Hunt horse who ran over distances between 2 miles and miles (3.2–4 km). A top-class horse who achieved a Timeform rating of 184, he won the Queen ...

(2001), Macs Joy (2006), Jezki (2014), Supasundae (2018) *

Punchestown Champion Chase The Punchestown Champion Chase, currently known for sponsorship purposes as the William Hill Champion Chase, is a Grade 1 National Hunt racing, National Hunt Steeplechase (horse racing), steeplechase in Ireland whi ...

- (1) Moscow Flyer (2004) *

Punchestown Gold Cup The Punchestown Gold Cup is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase in Ireland which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Punchestown over a distance of about 3 miles and ½ furlong (3 miles and 12 ...

- (1) Sizing John (2017) *

National Stakes The Vincent O'Brien National Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 me ...

- (1) Pathfork (2010) * Matron Stakes – (1) ''No Speak Alexander (2021)'' *

Moyglare Stud Stakes The Moyglare Stud Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to two-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 metres), and it is schedu ...

- (1) - '' Discoveries (2021) '' *

Phoenix Stakes The Phoenix Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 6 furlongs (1,207 metres), and it is ...

– (1)

Lucky Vega Lucky Vega (foaled 27 February 2018) is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. As a two-year-old in 2020 he won the Phoenix Stakes as well as finishing second in the Railway Stakes and the Middle Park Stakes. In the following year he ran third in t ...

(2020) * Champion Stayers Hurdle - (2) Jetson (2014), Jezki (2015) *

Herald Champion Novice Hurdle The KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Ireland which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Punchestown over a distance of about 2 miles ½ furlong (2 miles and 100 ...

- (4) Dance Beat (1996), Moscow Flyer (2000), Jezki (2013), Don't Touch It (2016) *

Morgiana Hurdle The Morgiana Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt racing, National Hunt Hurdling (horse race), hurdle race in Ireland which is open to Horse racing, horses aged four years or older. It is run at Pun ...

- (1) Moscow Flyer (2000) *

Royal Bond Novice Hurdle The Royal Bond Novice Hurdle is a Grade 2 National Hunt racing, National Hunt Hurdling (horse race), hurdle race in Ireland which is open to Horse racing, horses aged four years or older. It is run at Fai ...

- (3) Moscow Flyer (1999), Hide the Evidence (2006), Jezki (2012) *

Hatton's Grace Hurdle The Hatton's Grace Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Ireland which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Fairyhouse over a distance of about 2 miles and 4 furlongs (4,02 ...

- (1) Jezki (2013) * John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase - (1) Sizing John (2017) * Racing Post Novice Chase - (1) Moscow Flyer (2001) *

Greenmount Park Novice Chase The Faugheen Novice Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt race in Ireland. It is run at Limerick Racecourse in late December over a distance of about 2 miles and 3½ furlongs (2 miles 3 furlongs and 160 yards, or ...

- (1) Intelligent (2002) *

Arkle Novice Chase The Arkle Novice Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase in Ireland which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Leopardstown over a distance of about 2 miles and 1 furlong ...

- (2) Bust Out (2003), Ulaan Baatar (2005) *

Paddy's Reward Club Chase The Paddy's Reward Club Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase in Ireland. It is run at Leopardstown Racecourse in December, over a distance of about 2 miles and 1 furlong (3,420 metres) and during the ...

- (2) Moscow Flyer (2002,2003) * Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle - (1) Jezki (2012) *

December Festival Hurdle The December Festival Hurdle, currently known by its sponsored title of the Matheson Hurdle, is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Ireland which is open to horses aged four years or older. It i ...

- (2) Moscow Flyer (2000), Macs Joy (2004) * Fort Leney Novice Chase - (2) Bostons Angel (2010), Our Duke (2016) * Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase - (2) Carrigeen Victor (2005), Bostons Angel (2011) *

Golden Cygnet Novice Hurdle The Golden Cygnet Novice Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt novice hurdle race in Ireland which is for horses aged five years or older. It is run at Leopardstown over a distance of about 2 miles and 6 furlongs ( ...

- (2) Roberto Goldback (2009), Coole River (2010) *

Spring Juvenile Hurdle The Spring Juvenile Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Ireland. It is run at Leopardstown Racecourse in February, over a distance of 2 miles. The race is restricted to four-year-old horses on ...

- (1) Personal Column (2008) * Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle - (1) Oscars Well (2011) *

Ryanair Novice Chase The Barberstown Castle Novice Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt racing, National Hunt Steeplechase (horse racing), Steeplechase in Ireland which is open to Horse racing, horses aged five years or older. It is run at ...

- (2) Oh So Grumpy (1994), Moscow Flyer (2002) * Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle - (1) Got Attitude (2008) ----

Great Britain Great Britain is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean off the north-west coast of continental Europe, consisting of the countries England, Scotland, and Wales. With an area of , it is the largest of the British Isles, the List of European ...

Cheltenham Gold Cup The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a Grade 1 National Hunt horse race run on the New Course at Cheltenham Racecourse in England, over a distance of about 3 miles 2½ furlon ...

- (1) Sizing John (2017) *

Champion Hurdle The Champion Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt racing, National Hunt Hurdling (horse race), hurdle race in Great Britain which is open to Horse racing, horses aged four years ...

- (1) Jezki (2014) *

Queen Mother Champion Chase The Queen Mother Champion Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. As part of a sponsorship agreement with the ...

- (2) Moscow Flyer (2003,2005) *

Coronation Stakes The Coronation Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old fillies. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 7 furlong and 213 yards (1,603 metres), and it is sche ...

- (2) Alpha Centauri (2018), Alpine Star (2020) * Futurity Trophy - (1) Hotazhell (2024) *

Falmouth Stakes The Falmouth Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run on the July Course at Newmarket over a distance of 1 mile ( ...

- (1) Alpha Centauri (2018) *

Cheveley Park Stakes The Cheveley Park Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to two-year-old fillies. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 6 furlongs (1,207 metres) and is ...

- (1) Millisle (2019) *

Arkle Challenge Trophy The Arkle Challenge Trophy is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run on the Old Course at Cheltenham, England, over a ...

- (1) Moscow Flyer (2002) * RSA Insurance Novices' Chase - (1) Bostons Angel (2011) *

Champion Bumper The Champion Bumper is a Grade 1 National Hunt flat race in Great Britain which is open to racing horses aged four to six years. It is run on the Old Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about 2 m ...

- (1) Cork All Star (2007) *

Tingle Creek Chase The Tingle Creek Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Sandown Park over a distance of about 2 miles (1 ...

-(2) Moscow Flyer (2003,2004) *

Melling Chase The Melling Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Aintree over a distance of about 2 miles and 4 furlongs (4,023 m ...

- (2) - Moscow Flyer (2004,2005) *

Aintree Hurdle The Aintree Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Aintree over a distance of about 2 miles and 4 furlongs ( ...

- (1) Supasundae (2019) *

Fighting Fifth Hurdle The Fighting Fifth Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt racing, National Hunt Hurdling (horse race), hurdle race in Great Britain which is open to Horse racing, horses aged four years or older. It is r ...

- (1) Space Trucker (1996) ---- France *

Prix Jacques Le Marois The Prix Jacques Le Marois is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbred colts and fillies aged three years or older. It is run in August each year at Deauville over a distance of ...

- (1) Alpha Centauri (2018) *

Prix Marcel Boussac The Prix Marcel Boussac is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to two-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,600 metres (about 1 mile), and it is s ...

- (1) Albigna (2019)

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Harrington, Jessica 1947 births Equestrians from County Kildare Living people Irish racehorse trainers Irish female equestrians 20th-century Irish sportswomen