Former Jockey Jack Gilligan Joins Inglis Digital USA

Jack Gilligan, a multiple graded stakes-winning jockey, has joined the Inglis Digital USA staff as its new sales and recruitment associate.

In his new role, Gilligan will focus on helping the auction company recruit horses, with a focus on racing-age offerings, traveling to tracks across the country to build and maintain relationships and help connect sellers with potential buyers. He will be based at the company's Lexington, Ky., office between trips, and he will work with senior director of sales and recruitment Kyle Wilson.

A native of Newmarket, England, Gilligan has ridden in over 4,000 races on three different continents, tallying more than 440 wins. 

Gilligan started riding in his home country in 2013 as an apprentice for trainer Sir Mark Prescott, and he moved overseas to take his first U.S. mounts a year later, riding primarily in Kentucky and Louisiana. His biggest stateside success came aboard Silver Dust , who he rode to wins in the Mineshaft Handicap (G3) and West Virginia Governor's Stakes (G3) for trainer Bret Calhoun.

After nine years in the U.S., Gilligan returned to England this year to finish his racing career.

"After struggling with a shoulder injury these past few months, I have decided to hang up my boots," Gilligan said. "I have been very lucky to have had the great career I had in America and England these last 11 years, and I feel very privileged to have ridden for all of the great trainers and owners that have believed in me. I walk away from being a jockey with a lot of happy memories. 

"With the end of a chapter, begins a new one," he continued. "I am very happy and proud to announce that moving forward I will be working at Inglis Digital USA as a Recruitment and Sales Associate. Bloodstock and sales have been another passion of mine, and Inglis Digital USA is at the forefront of online horse sales. I am very excited to be a part of their team and look forward to help grow their brand and presence within the USA."

Beyond his decade-plus in the saddle, Gilligan received a hands-on education in horsemanship, earning an NVQ 2 diploma in horse care and management from the British Racing School in Newmarket, England, and furthering his knowledge with horses on the ground and in the saddle at the Northern Racing College in Doncaster, England.

"We are thrilled to have Jack join the team as we continue to grow and expand Inglis Digital USA's reach in the racehorse market" said Inglis Digital USA CEO Liza Hendriks. "Jack brings a unique depth of experience as a retired jockey and a network that will be invaluable as we work to offer our clients access to racehorses available across the country."