Profile

Leighton Aspell was born in Ireland in 1976. He learnt his trade riding out for his father Patrick before moving to Britain and becoming apprentice to Reg Hollinshead in the midlands. He later moved to Sussex to join Josh Gifford at Findon. He soon became an established jockey getting many rides for top trainers such as Lucy Wadhan, Oliver Sherwood Pat Murphy and Nick Gifford. He briefly went into retirement in 2007 but thankfully he had a change of mind and resumed racing again in 2009.
In 2002 he won the Welsh National on Pat Murphy's Supreme Glory. Two years later he rode the same horse to a magnificent second place in the Aintree Grand National at the very rewarding odds of 40/1 in this his very first ride in the great race. Leighton Added to his Welsh National winners by riding L'Avanture to victory for top trainer Paul Nicholls, his first ride for the then Champion trainer. He also rode the Lucy Wadham trained United to victory in Irish Champion hurdle race at Punchestown.
Leighton's younger brother Paddy is a successful jockey in the North.

Birth place............................Dublin
D/O/B..................................12/5/76
Favourite Course.......................Ascot
Least Favourite........................Cheltenham
Best horse ridden......................Rouble
Wheels.................................VW Bora
Favourite food.........................Sausages
Favourite drink........................Guinness
Football team.........................Aston Villa
Best thing about being a jockey....Getting paid for something I love doing.
Worst thing...........................Travelling
Non racing interests.................Golf. Coursing.Watching football.
Best jockey mates.................... Many - Coiln Bolger. Matty Batchelor. Phillip Hide.
What do you think of the fan club.... Very flattered, magazine a great read.
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