With two riding championships under his belt on the National Steeplechase Association circuit, Graham Watters has established himself as one of the brightest stars in the American jump game. The 32-year-old Irishman, however, is far from satisfied with the success he’s had.
“I have high expectations for myself,” Watters said after winning the Grade 1 A.P. Smithwick Memorial Steeplechase at Saratoga Race Course aboard Ziggle Pops on July 21. “My goal and the mindset that drives me is to become one of the all-time great riders. I’m hoping to ride at a high level for the next 10-12 years. I’m working hard to be at the top and determined to maintain that standard. There’s no room to be complacent in this game and I’m extremely competitive.”
Watters began riding ponies as a 9-year-old at an equestrian center in his native Ireland. His family didn’t have any involvement in racing or even an association with horses, but Watters was intrigued with the sport and loved the concept of speed. His breakthrough took place at Britain’s Newcastle Racecourse in 2015, when he piloted 9-year-old Milborough more than four miles over 27 jumps to win the prestigious Eider Chase. He moved his tack to the US five years ago and settled in Maryland, where he has formed a close association with Hall of Fame trainer Jack Fisher.
“He thinks,” says Fisher of Watters. “I know that sounds simple, but he knows how to analyze what’s happening around him. “I don’t really give him instructions. The old saying is that a good jockey doesn’t need instructions and a bad one probably couldn’t execute them anyway. Graham is just a good rider, period.”
Watters has enjoyed his greatest success with the Fisher-trained Snap Decision, one of the elite American jumpers of recent years. He first rode the bay gelding in the 2021 Temple Gwathmey in Virginia, when the pair won the Grade 2 event by 3½ lengths. They’ve been partnered ever since, notching eight graded stakes wins together including a scintillating 13½-length victory in the Grade 1 Jonathan Sheppard at Saratoga in 2022.
Watters topped the NSA rider standings in 2021 and 2023 and held a 12-11 lead over Jamie Bargary as of early August in search of his third title in four years.
“Leading rider means a lot and it’s something I hope to be competing for every year,” Watters says. “I’m always aiming for the top. It’s hard work, but if you have a passion for it you don’t think of it as work. I’m blessed to do this job.”