Jimmy Fortune is an Irish

Irish people

The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...

 thoroughbred jockey who, through 2008, has 76 wins from 528 rides. He apprenticed with Jim Bolger

Jim Bolger (racehorse trainer)

James S. "Jim" Bolger is an Thoroughbred racehorse trainer and breeder based in Coolcullen in County Kilkenny. For many years now he has been recognised as one of the racing greats in Ireland...

 in Ireland

Republic of Ireland

Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...

. He was first licensed in 1987 and his first win came in 1988 at Thirsk

Thirsk

Thirsk is a small market town and civil parish in the Hambleton district of North Yorkshire, England. The local travel links are located a mile from the town centre to Thirsk railway station and to Durham Tees Valley Airport...

 riding Hitchinstown. He rode Expresso Star to a win at the 2009 William Hill Lincoln Handicap, taking home the £125,000 first place prize in the process.

Jimmy Fortune is well-known and respected for his physical strength in the saddle. He was formerly stable jockey to John Gosden

John Gosden

John Gosden is a racehorse trainer. Having trained over 2,000 winners since his return to England in 1989, including winners of the Breeders' Cup Classic, the Derby, the King George, the 1,000 Guineas and the St. Leger, he is generally considered one of the most successful racehorse trainers of...

, however as of 2010 has been freelance.