Paddy Connors, remembered as a classic representation of an old-fashioned steeplechase jockey, made significant contributions to the horse racing world before his passing on New Year’s Day at the age of 84. Renowned for his ability to extract the best from any horse, Connors’ journey through the racing landscape was vibrant and impactful.

Born in Naas, County Kildare, Connors hailed from a lineage of jockeys. His father, David Connors, laid the foundation, introducing Paddy to the world of jump racing. Paddy’s early days were shaped by mentorship under the legendary Paddy Prendergast, setting a strong foundation for his future endeavors.

Making waves after relocating to the UK, Connors first joined forces with George Beeby in Compton, Berkshire. This period marked the beginning of his British career, where his distinctive racing style began to capture attention. It wasn’t long before he found a new opportunity with Earl Jones at Hazel Slade Stables in Staffordshire, cementing his reputation within the racing circles.

Connors’ proficiency wasn’t just on the tracks. In a defining moment of his career, he played an instrumental role in helping the flamboyant singer Dorothy Squires achieve victory in the Scottish Grand National. This collaboration highlighted Connors’ ability to partner seamlessly with owners and trainers, drawing the best potential out of his mounts.

Throughout his career, Connors stayed true to his roots — embodying the quintessential steeplechase jockey ethos. His belief in the horse’s capabilities resonated throughout his numerous endeavors, always pushing for excellence, irrespective of the challenges faced on the track.

His presence was felt beyond the immediate vicinity of jockeys and trainers. Connors fostered a community around the sport, drawing fans closer to the intricacies of steeplechase racing through his dedication and evocative riding style. His career serves as a touchstone for understanding the dynamics between jockeys and horses, emphasizing the trust and intuition required to navigate the demanding courses.

Connors’ enduring legacy is reflected not only in the races he won but also in the values he imparted to both seasoned professionals and young aspirants in the jockey world. His life story remains a testament to the deeply ingrained traditions of horse racing, showcasing that the spirit of a true jockey is timeless, transcending generations and evolving industry landscapes.

In remembering Paddy Connors, one celebrates not just his achievements on the racing grounds but also the passion and dedication that defined his relationship with the equestrian world. He lived by the mantra that if a horse was good enough, he was right there, demonstrating unwavering commitment and skill.

The draft is three weeks away now. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have pieced together an off-season that is earning widespread praise across the league. The question is whether they can stick the landing with their 1st round pick in the draft. Current projections have the top three picks likely being a mix of Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, and Abdul Carter. After that, it gets tricky. People in Chicago want to know where running back Ashton Jeanty will end once the dust settles.

Widespread belief has been that the Las Vegas Raiders are the heavy favorites to take him at 6th overall, with New Orleans at #9 also being a possibility. It makes sense. Las Vegas’ best option right now is a 33-year-old Raheem Mostert. New Orleans knows Alvin Kamara turns 30 in July. Both teams need to think about the future at that position. Both have head coaches who like to run the ball. One thing is clear. A source told SM that those around the league believe one thing is certain.

“He likely won’t get passed Chicago if he falls that far.”

Ashton Jeanty is a strong probability for the Bears.

Whispers from Halas Hall indicate they love the Boise State star. It isn’t hard to see why. He nearly broke Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record in 2024, nearly winning the Heisman in the process. The guy carried his team to the college football playoffs. He’s built like a brick house with power, speed, contact balance, and vision. There aren’t any truly glaring weaknesses in his game. He’s earned comparisons to the likes of LaDainian Tomlinson and Marshawn Lynch. The Bears haven’t had a back of that caliber since Matt Forte.

Try to imagine what this offense could look like with Ashton Jeanty, Rome Odunze, D.J. Moore, and Cole Kmet all as options for quarterback Caleb Williams. Throw all of it into Johnson’s offense, and you can understand why some people around the league aren’t wild about the idea. They are quietly hoping Jeanty goes somewhere else. One thing is certain. If he gets past the Raiders, the noise will get loud in a hurry. It would mark the first time in 20 years the Bears have taken a running back in the 1st round.