Career
Having his first competitive race ride on 22 October 1979. His first of 311 professional victories came at Leopardstown when riding "Killeenyarda" in February 1982. Duggan took up his apprenticeship in England under the wing of Ulverston trainer Roger Fisher, where his association with horses such as Amarach and Aonoch came into fruition.
When both Amarach and Aonoch were moved to trainer Sally Oliver"s yard in Worcestershire, the association with the pair was continued.
Unfortunately Amarach"s racing career was cut short following a training injury. The jockeys" most disappointing moment in his career was probably a ride on Aonoch, whom Duggan actually rode a total of 14 victories on, was undoubtedly in the 1986 Champion Hurdle for Sally Oliver, they were being touted for at the very least a place, however from the outset of the race Duggan had his fears that something was not quite right with fellow, Aonoch was not feeling right, not moving fluently, he never got into his running and was most disappointing, finishing tailed off and without ever once having been put into the race, most uncharacteristic of the little horse who was renowned as a battler.
Duggan was quick to realise that the horse was suffering from corns, which was an ailment that plagued the horse from time to time. However, after the race it was realised that there was another factor to his bad running, in that the horse suffered a heavy blow to his head when at the fourth hurdle Corporal Clinger fell in front of Aonoch and caught him.
On his return from the course Aonoch was bleeding profusely from both nostrils, which he thankfully recovered from.
All of that was forgotten just 25 days later at Aintree with the famous victory over See You Then. Jimmy is also well known face on American television, as the voice of steeplechasing and leading steeplechase analyst in the country.
