Rich Ricci Net Worth: The Billionaire Banker Turned Horse Racing Mogul at Cheltenham 2025
Few figures in horse racing command as much attention as Rich Ricci. With his bold personality, high-stakes investments, and legendary partnership with trainer Willie Mullins, Ricci has made an indelible mark on the sport. As Cheltenham Festival 2025 gets underway, all eyes are on Ricci’s stable of racehorses and his next big move in the racing world.
At 60 years old, Rich Ricci boasts an estimated net worth of £100 million as of 2025, built from a lucrative career in investment banking and his passion for horse racing.
From Wall Street to the Racecourse
Born in Nebraska, United States, in 1964, Ricci’s path to wealth didn’t start in the stables. After earning a finance degree from Creighton University, he dove into the banking world, working at Bank of Boston before moving to the Bank of New England. By 1994, he had joined Barclays de Zoete Wedd, where he quickly climbed the ranks to become the head of Barclays Investment Banking and Management.
His biggest financial milestone came in 2011, when he reportedly earned a staggering £44 million in bonuses. But despite his success in banking, Ricci’s true passion lay elsewhere—horse racing.
A Powerhouse in Irish Racing
Ricci’s love for the sport began in 2005, when he made the move into Irish horse racing. It was here that he forged a lasting friendship with champion trainer Willie Mullins. Over the years, the two have formed one of the most successful owner-trainer partnerships in racing history.
Speaking about his relationship with Mullins, Ricci once said: “When I first met him, his yard was nowhere near as it is now. I remember saying to him, ‘Why aren’t you a champion trainer?’ He replied, ‘I don’t have the ammunition.’ So I said, ‘If we have success, I’ll give you the ammunition.’ And we went from there.”
Now, with a string of elite racehorses under his ownership, Ricci has made a name for himself as one of the most influential owners in the sport.
Cheltenham Festival 2025: The Stakes Are High
The Cheltenham Festival 2025 is in full swing, with £4,930,000 in prize money spread across 28 races. While Ricci’s horses are always among the most anticipated runners, Gaelic Warrior, one of his most well-known competitors, was withdrawn from the Champion Chase after Ricci expressed doubts about its performance. Mullins followed suit by withdrawing two more major contenders, cutting down their entries in key races.
While this decision sparked debate among racing enthusiasts, it highlights Ricci’s pragmatic approach to the sport—one where strategy and long-term vision come first.
The Man Behind the Iconic Racing Silks
If you’ve ever watched a Ricci-owned horse storm down the track, you’ve likely noticed the pink and fluorescent green silks his jockeys wear. The inspiration? His wife, Susannah Ricci, an accountant and co-owner of the Yotes Court vineyard in Kent. She reportedly chose the eye-catching colors based on one of her handbags, turning them into some of the most recognizable silks in racing.
Where to Watch Cheltenham 2025
For fans eager to catch all the action, ITV will broadcast the first five of seven main races daily, while the remaining races will be shown on Racing TV. Whether Ricci’s horses claim victory or not, one thing is certain—his presence at Cheltenham always guarantees excitement.
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