Eddie Demspey
Born in Co. Meathe in 1911, 35-year-old Eddie was aboard Caughoo, the 100/1 outsider who, in a field of 57, won a controversial 1947 Grand National by 20 lengths.
Born in Co. Meathe in 1911, 35-year-old Eddie was aboard Caughoo, the 100/1 outsider who, in a field of 57, won a controversial 1947 Grand National by 20 lengths.
Owned by a Dublin jeweller, Mr McDowell, and trained by his brother, a veterinary surgeon, Caughoo had been bought as a two-year-old for £50.
Owned by a Dublin jeweller, Mr McDowell, and trained by his brother, a veterinary surgeon, Caughoo had been bought as a two-year-old for £50.
Heavy rain on Grand National morning followed by mist spoilt the visibility. Coming out from the mist as he jumped the last, Caughoo was still fresh and full of energy as he sprinted up the run-in for a twenty length victory.
Heavy rain on Grand National morning followed by mist spoilt the visibility. Coming out from the mist as he jumped the last, Caughoo was still fresh and full of energy as he sprinted up the run-in for a twenty length victory.
So easily had Caughoo won and in such dreadful conditions that the jockey who rode the second, Daniel McCann, accused Eddie of cheating by taking a short cut in the fog.
So easily had Caughoo won and in such dreadful conditions that the jockey who rode the second, Daniel McCann, accused Eddie of cheating by taking a short cut in the fog.
In true Irish fashion, the dispute led to the pair exchanging blows before eventually being settled in court.
In true Irish fashion, the dispute led to the pair exchanging blows before eventually being settled in court.
Caughoo, named after an Irish village, died on March 2, 1964, at Sutton, Co Dublin, at the age of 25.
Caughoo, named after an Irish village, died on March 2, 1964, at Sutton, Co Dublin, at the age of 25.
Eddie's career began in 1933 but, while there is little in the records books, we do know that he won that year on Brave Edna at Punchestown and Poor Chance at Mullingar. These were his only wins that season.
Eddie's career began in 1933 but, while there is little in the records books, we do know that he won that year on Brave Edna at Punchestown and Poor Chance at Mullingar. These were his only wins that season.
Eddie had the distinction, on 7 May 1941, of being the first jockey to win on the mighty Prince Regent. They beat the 6/4 favourite Antrim by a neck in the Enniskerry Hurdle at Phoenix Park.
Eddie had the distinction, on 7 May 1941, of being the first jockey to win on the mighty Prince Regent. They beat the 6/4 favourite Antrim by a neck in the Enniskerry Hurdle at Phoenix Park.
He quit riding at the end of the 1950 season, retiring to Donaghmore House in County Meath.
He quit riding at the end of the 1950 season, retiring to Donaghmore House in County Meath.
Eddie died in the Blanchardstown Hospital, Dublin, on 7 February 1989, aged 77.
Eddie died in the Blanchardstown Hospital, Dublin, on 7 February 1989, aged 77.