Can a Jockey Be Nearly Two Meters Tall? Jack Andrews Says Yes—And He’s All In

This Friday at Cartmel, the tallest jockey on the planet will make his professional debut—a story of perseverance, humor, and an unwavering love for horses that defies every preconceived notion

Jack Andrews—not that he needs an introduction; after all, he quite literally looks down on the rest / TWITTER

By Diego H. Mitagstein

If asked to picture a jockey, most people would imagine someone slight, agile, compact. It’s unlikely that image would involve a 6-foot-5 frame. But Jack Andrews, all 1.95 meters of him, is about to rewrite the mold entirely. This Friday, the world’s tallest jockey will make his professional debut at Cartmel, partnering with Just a Memory, trained by Tom Ellis.

Andrews is not just the tallest rider in the sport—he’s a living testament to perseverance and passion. Raised in a racing family—his sisters Gina and Bridget made names for themselves on the British point-to-point circuit—Jack didn’t immediately gravitate to the saddle. It wasn’t until his teenage years, while riding his parents’ horses, that he discovered his true calling.

The road hasn’t been smooth. Between the ages of 17 and 18, Andrews experienced a growth spurt that cast doubt on his racing ambitions. But instead of stepping away, he met the challenge head-on—with grit, humor, and relentless work ethic. Now 27, with over 200 wins on the amateur circuit and a historic ride at the Cheltenham Festival—where he became the tallest jockey ever to compete—Andrews is ready to take the professional leap.

“I’ve always dreamed of being a professional jockey,” he said. “With the growth of Tom Ellis’s yard, it felt like the right time to go for it.”

Talent aside, Andrews is also known for his iron discipline. Keeping his weight in check is no small feat for someone his height. “I’ve been around 10st 3lb to 10st 4lb (about 144 lbs) for the past five years. It’s a constant effort,” he admits. His daily diet is carefully curated: yogurt, fruit, lean protein—and the occasional cheat day feast.

Still, his height has its advantages. “I can wrap my legs around the horse better and give a bit more support through the stride. I try to turn it into a strength,” he explains. And despite his towering presence, he’s got one goal in mind: “The best compliment I get is when people say I don’t look that tall on a horse.”

His final ride as an amateur came Tuesday at Newton Abbot. Now, as a conditional jockey, he’ll be allowed a 3-pound claim—a valuable edge that could see him pick up opportunities beyond the Ellis stable. He’s already enjoyed success for top trainers like Dan Skelton and Ben Pauling, and could soon become a more regular presence at Britain’s premier jumps tracks.

Among his favorite partners is Proximo, a six-time winner under his guidance. But beyond the stats and the mounts, Jack Andrews stands out for his trailblazing spirit, his deep love for the game, and his knack for breaking the mold—always with a smile.

“I know I won’t be able to do this forever, so I’m going to make the most of every chance. It’s time to go all in,” he says with conviction.

On Friday at Cartmel, a new professional jockey will join the ranks. But more than that, a new chapter begins in the story of one of British racing’s most endearing and extraordinary characters.