Martin Dwyer
Classic-winning jockey Martin Joseph Dwyer was born in Aintree, Liverpool on 28 June 1975. Aged fifteen, he was apprenticed to Ian Balding at Kingsclere and rode his first winner on Susquehanna Days in a one-mile apprentices’ race at Warwick on 9 July 1993.
Classic-winning jockey Martin Joseph Dwyer was born in Aintree, Liverpool on 28 June 1975. Aged fifteen, he was apprenticed to Ian Balding at Kingsclere and rode his first winner on Susquehanna Days in a one-mile apprentices’ race at Warwick on 9 July 1993.
He finished second in the 1996 apprentice jockeys’ championship and rode his first Group race winner on Halmahera in the Group 3 Cornwallis Stakes at Ascot on 11 October 1997.
He finished second in the 1996 apprentice jockeys’ championship and rode his first Group race winner on Halmahera in the Group 3 Cornwallis Stakes at Ascot on 11 October 1997.
Martin was on board Persian Punch for the final part of that popular stayer’s career, winning six races on him, including the Goodwood Cup and Doncaster Cup in 2003, and back-to-back renewals of the Jockey Club Cup (2002/03). He rode a personal best 106 winners in 2002.
Martin was on board Persian Punch for the final part of that popular stayer’s career, winning six races on him, including the Goodwood Cup and Doncaster Cup in 2003, and back-to-back renewals of the Jockey Club Cup (2002/03). He rode a personal best 106 winners in 2002.
In June 2003 he recorded his first Classic victory – and his first at Group One level – on Casual Look in the Oaks for Kingsclere trainer Andrew Balding. Later that year he achieved Grade One success on Phoenix Reach in the Canadian International at Woodbine. Phoenix Reach also carried him to victory in the 2004 Hong Kong Vase and the 2005 Dubai Sheema Classic.
In June 2003 he recorded his first Classic victory – and his first at Group One level – on Casual Look in the Oaks for Kingsclere trainer Andrew Balding. Later that year he achieved Grade One success on Phoenix Reach in the Canadian International at Woodbine. Phoenix Reach also carried him to victory in the 2004 Hong Kong Vase and the 2005 Dubai Sheema Classic.
In 2005 Martin won the Group One Dewhurst Stakes on the Marcus Tregoning-trained Sir Percy, who, the following year at Epsom, would provide jockey and trainer with the highlight of their respective careers when winning the Derby.
In 2005 Martin won the Group One Dewhurst Stakes on the Marcus Tregoning-trained Sir Percy, who, the following year at Epsom, would provide jockey and trainer with the highlight of their respective careers when winning the Derby.
Martin continued to win good races at home and abroad over the next decade, including the German One Thousand Guineas and Italy’s Group One Grand Criterium, the latter on Navarra for trainer Mick Channon. He spent several winters in India, winning the 2012 Indian Derby on In The Spotlight.
Martin continued to win good races at home and abroad over the next decade, including the German One Thousand Guineas and Italy’s Group One Grand Criterium, the latter on Navarra for trainer Mick Channon. He spent several winters in India, winning the 2012 Indian Derby on In The Spotlight.
However, it was not until 2020 that he found himself back in the big time, courtesy of Pyledriver, trained by his father-in-law William Muir. Martin rode him to victory in that year’s King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot and York’s Great Voltigeur Stakes. In 2021 they won the Coronation Cup at Epsom, giving Muir (by then joined by co-trainer Chris Grassick) his first Group One victory.
However, it was not until 2020 that he found himself back in the big time, courtesy of Pyledriver, trained by his father-in-law William Muir. Martin rode him to victory in that year’s King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot and York’s Great Voltigeur Stakes. In 2021 they won the Coronation Cup at Epsom, giving Muir (by then joined by co-trainer Chris Grassick) his first Group One victory.
Martin rode what turned out to be his final winner on Lucky Ava for Newmarket trainer Conrad Allen in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Handicap at Chelmsford on February 3, 2022. The following month, he was injured in a fall while riding out for Brian Meehan, tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and damaging bone in the same area. He missed the entire Flat turf season and was thus denied the mount on Pyledriver when he recorded a famous victory in the 2022 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, ridden by P.J. McDonald.
Martin rode what turned out to be his final winner on Lucky Ava for Newmarket trainer Conrad Allen in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Handicap at Chelmsford on February 3, 2022. The following month, he was injured in a fall while riding out for Brian Meehan, tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and damaging bone in the same area. He missed the entire Flat turf season and was thus denied the mount on Pyledriver when he recorded a famous victory in the 2022 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, ridden by P.J. McDonald.
Martin underwent two operations on the knee joint but the injury left him unable to get back to a position where his knee could withstand the strains of riding in races. He announced his retirement, aged 48, on 2 July 2023.
Martin underwent two operations on the knee joint but the injury left him unable to get back to a position where his knee could withstand the strains of riding in races. He announced his retirement, aged 48, on 2 July 2023.
Classic winners:
Classic winners:
Oaks: Casual Look (2003)
Oaks: Casual Look (2003)
Derby: Sir Percy (2006)
Derby: Sir Percy (2006)
Other big winners:
Other big winners:
1997: Cornwallis Stakes – Halmahera
1997: Cornwallis Stakes – Halmahera
1998: Somerset Stakes – Lochangel
1998: Somerset Stakes – Lochangel
1998: Doncaster Stakes – Two Clubs
1998: Doncaster Stakes – Two Clubs
1999: Zetland Gold Cup – Shadoof
1999: Zetland Gold Cup – Shadoof
2001: Conqueror Stakes – Sheppard’s Watch
2001: Conqueror Stakes – Sheppard’s Watch
2001: Princess Elizabeth Stakes – Sheppard’s Watch
2001: Princess Elizabeth Stakes – Sheppard’s Watch
2001: Lennox Stakes – Fath
2001: Lennox Stakes – Fath
2001: Mill Reef Stakes – Firebreak
2001: Mill Reef Stakes – Firebreak
2001: Cornwallis Stakes – Dominica
2001: Cornwallis Stakes – Dominica
2001: Cesarewitch Handicap – Distant Prospect
2001: Cesarewitch Handicap – Distant Prospect
2002: Newmarket Stakes – Highdown
2002: Newmarket Stakes – Highdown
2002: Cheshire Oaks – Shadow Dancing
2002: Cheshire Oaks – Shadow Dancing
2002: King’s Stand Stakes – Dominica
2002: King’s Stand Stakes – Dominica
2002: Balmoral Handicap – Zargus
2002: Balmoral Handicap – Zargus
2002: Steventon Stakes – Highdown
2002: Steventon Stakes – Highdown
2002: St Hugh’s Stakes – Speed Cop
2002: St Hugh’s Stakes – Speed Cop
2002: Jockey Club Cup – Persian Punch
2002: Jockey Club Cup – Persian Punch
2002: November Handicap – Red Wine
2002: November Handicap – Red Wine
2003: Dahlia Stakes – Aldora
2003: Dahlia Stakes – Aldora
2003: Predominate Stakes – High Accolade
2003: Predominate Stakes – High Accolade
2003: Conqueror Stakes – Aldora
2003: Conqueror Stakes – Aldora
2003: Princess Elizabeth Stakes – Aldora
2003: Princess Elizabeth Stakes – Aldora
2003: Ascot Stakes – Sindapour
2003: Ascot Stakes – Sindapour
2003: King Edward VII Stakes – High Accolade
2003: King Edward VII Stakes – High Accolade
2003: Esher Stakes – Persian Punch
2003: Esher Stakes – Persian Punch
2003: Goodwood Cup – Persian Punch
2003: Goodwood Cup – Persian Punch
2003: Sovereign Stakes – Passing Glance
2003: Sovereign Stakes – Passing Glance
2003: City of York Stakes – Vanderlin
2003: City of York Stakes – Vanderlin
2003: Doncaster Cup – Persian Punch
2003: Doncaster Cup – Persian Punch
2003: Scarborough Stakes – Dubaian Gift
2003: Scarborough Stakes – Dubaian Gift
2003: Royal Lodge Stakes – Snow Ridge
2003: Royal Lodge Stakes – Snow Ridge
2003: Cumberland Lodge Stakes – High Accolade
2003: Cumberland Lodge Stakes – High Accolade
2003: Jockey Club Cup – Persian Punch
2003: Jockey Club Cup – Persian Punch
2003: Churchill Stakes – Compton Bolter
2003: Churchill Stakes – Compton Bolter
2004: Predominate Stakes – Manyana
2004: Predominate Stakes – Manyana
2004: Heron Stakes – Tahreeb
2004: Heron Stakes – Tahreeb
2004: Diomed Stakes – Passing Glance
2004: Diomed Stakes – Passing Glance
2004: Cumberland Lodge Stakes – High Accolade
2004: Cumberland Lodge Stakes – High Accolade
2004: Somerville Tattersall Stakes – Diktatorial
2004: Somerville Tattersall Stakes – Diktatorial
2004: St Simon Stakes – Orcadian
2004: St Simon Stakes – Orcadian
2005: Weatherbys Super Sprint – Lady Livius
2005: Weatherbys Super Sprint – Lady Livius
2005: Vintage Stakes – Sir Percy
2005: Vintage Stakes – Sir Percy
2005: Dewhurst Stakes – Sir Percy
2005: Dewhurst Stakes – Sir Percy
2005: Darley Stakes – Enforcer
2005: Darley Stakes – Enforcer
2006: Doncaster Mile – Vanderlin
2006: Doncaster Mile – Vanderlin
2006: John Porter Stakes – Mubtaker
2006: John Porter Stakes – Mubtaker
2006: Newmarket Stakes – Mulaqat
2006: Newmarket Stakes – Mulaqat
2006: Zetland Gold Cup – Chantaco
2006: Zetland Gold Cup – Chantaco
2006: Park Hill Stakes – Rising Cross
2006: Park Hill Stakes – Rising Cross
2006: Cornwallis Stakes – Alzerra
2006: Cornwallis Stakes – Alzerra
2007: Windsor Castle Stakes – Drawnfromthepast
2007: Windsor Castle Stakes – Drawnfromthepast
2008: Easter Stakes – Il Warrd
2008: Easter Stakes – Il Warrd
2008: Pretty Polly Stakes – Saphira’s Fire
2008: Pretty Polly Stakes – Saphira’s Fire
2008: Tattersalls Timeform Million – Donativum
2008: Tattersalls Timeform Million – Donativum
2008: November Handicap – Tropical Strait
2008: November Handicap – Tropical Strait
2009: John Porter Stakes – Enroller
2009: John Porter Stakes – Enroller
2009: Victoria Cup – Swift Gift
2009: Victoria Cup – Swift Gift
2009: Pipalong Stakes – Rosaleen
2009: Pipalong Stakes – Rosaleen
2009: July Stakes – Arcano
2009: July Stakes – Arcano
2009: Princess Margaret Stakes – Lady Of The Desert
2009: Princess Margaret Stakes – Lady Of The Desert
2009: Lowther Stakes – Lady Of The Desert
2009: Lowther Stakes – Lady Of The Desert
2010: Prestige Stakes – Theyskens’ Theory
2010: Prestige Stakes – Theyskens’ Theory
2010: Old Newton Cup – Dangerous Midge
2010: Old Newton Cup – Dangerous Midge
2010: Dick Poole Fillies’ Stakes – Brevity
2010: Dick Poole Fillies’ Stakes – Brevity
2010: Dubai Duty-Free Arc Trial – Dangerous Midge
2010: Dubai Duty-Free Arc Trial – Dangerous Midge
2011: Michel Seely Memorial Stakes – Theyskens’ Theory
2011: Michel Seely Memorial Stakes – Theyskens’ Theory
2011: Buckingham Palace Handicap – Manassas
2011: Buckingham Palace Handicap – Manassas
2011: Ripon Champion Two-Year-Old Trophy – Geronimo Meadow
2011: Ripon Champion Two-Year-Old Trophy – Geronimo Meadow
2011: Serenia Stakes – Shumoos
2011: Serenia Stakes – Shumoos
2012: Hopeful Stakes – Hitchens
2012: Hopeful Stakes – Hitchens
2013: Beverley Bullet Sprint Stakes – Stepper Point
2013: Beverley Bullet Sprint Stakes – Stepper Point
2014: Hever Sprint Stakes – Stepper Point
2014: Hever Sprint Stakes – Stepper Point
2014: Doncaster Stakes – Code Red
2014: Doncaster Stakes – Code Red
2015: Surrey Stakes – Code Red
2015: Surrey Stakes – Code Red
2017: Royal Hunt Cup – Zhui Feng
2017: Royal Hunt Cup – Zhui Feng
2018: Midsummer Stakes – Zhui Feng
2018: Midsummer Stakes – Zhui Feng
2018: Horris Hill Stakes – Mohaather
2018: Horris Hill Stakes – Mohaather
2019: Cecil Frail Stakes – Forever In Dreams
2019: Cecil Frail Stakes – Forever In Dreams
2019: Princess Royal Stakes – Spirit Of Appin
2019: Princess Royal Stakes – Spirit Of Appin
2020: King Edward VII Stakes – Pyledriver
2020: King Edward VII Stakes – Pyledriver
2020: Great Voltigeur Stakes – Pyledriver
2020: Great Voltigeur Stakes – Pyledriver
2021: Coronation Cup – Pyledriver
2021: Coronation Cup – Pyledriver
2021: Churchill Stakes – Pyledriver
2021: Churchill Stakes – Pyledriver
In Ireland
In Ireland
2014: Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes – Stepper Point
2014: Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes – Stepper Point
In France
In France
1999: Prix Contessina – Two Clubs
1999: Prix Contessina – Two Clubs
2001: Prix de Cabourg – Firebreak
2001: Prix de Cabourg – Firebreak
2002: Prix Guillaume d’Omano – Highdown
2002: Prix Guillaume d’Omano – Highdown
In Germany
In Germany
2003: Oettingen-Rennen – Passing Glance
2003: Oettingen-Rennen – Passing Glance
2004: Volkswagen-Preis der Deutschen Einheit – Omikron
2004: Volkswagen-Preis der Deutschen Einheit – Omikron
2008: German One Thousand Guineas – Briseida
2008: German One Thousand Guineas – Briseida
In Italy
In Italy
2011: Gran Criterium – Navarra
2011: Gran Criterium – Navarra
In Canada
In Canada
2003: Canadian International – Phoenix Reach
2003: Canadian International – Phoenix Reach
2005: Wonder Where Stakes – Silver Highlight
2005: Wonder Where Stakes – Silver Highlight
2005: Play The King Handicap – Vanderlin
2005: Play The King Handicap – Vanderlin
In Hong Kong
In Hong Kong
2004: Hong Kong Vase – Phoenix Reach
2004: Hong Kong Vase – Phoenix Reach
In Dubai
In Dubai
2005: Dubai Sheema Classic – Phoenix Reach
2005: Dubai Sheema Classic – Phoenix Reach
2007: Jebel Ali Sprint – Taqseem
2007: Jebel Ali Sprint – Taqseem
In India
In India
2012: Indian Derby – In The Spotlight
2012: Indian Derby – In The Spotlight
Persian Punch & Martin Dwyer: photo courtesy of Mary Pitt
Persian Punch & Martin Dwyer: photo courtesy of Mary Pitt