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Gerard Newman
photo courtesy John Griffiths
Gerard (Gerry) Newman was born in Ireland on October 21, 1954, the son of National Hunt jockey Eddie Newman, who had won the 1949 Irish Grand National on Shagreen. He rode his first winner on Vulgan Thistle in an amateur riders’ handicap hurdle at Thurles in November 8, 1973.
Having turned professional, he shot to fame while still a 5lb claimer when winning the 1975 King George VI Chase on Captain Christy (right), his first ride outside of Ireland. He had ridden just 14 winners in Ireland but had ridden Captain Christy at exercise. Seven runners faced the starter that year but there was only ever one horse in it. Captain Christy, who started 11/10 joint favourite with Bula, shot off in front and drew further and further ahead, making all to win by 30 lengths, knocking four and a half seconds off the course record.
In 1978 Gerry won the Irish Sweeps Handicap Hurdle on Chinrullah and finished third in that year’s Grand National at Aintree on Drumroan.
Although Captain Christy was the best horse he rode, Gerry also registered two major handicap chase victories on Bright Highway in November 1980, winning the Mackeson Gold Cup and the Hennessy Gold Cup.
His last major win was on King Spruce in the 1982 Irish Grand National.
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