From its inception in 1900 to 1925, the award was given to the jockey who had the most winners during a calendar year.
Tony McCoy was champion jockey a record twenty times.
Racing was suspended for several years during World War II, which meant there was no championship in 1943 or 1944.
In the 2015–16 season, for the first time the championship was rewarded with prize money.
From 2016 onwards, the champion jockey receives a trophy designed by Asprey and chosen by McCoy, after the previous one was gifted to him upon his retirement.