Richard Dunwoody
Richard Thomas Dunwoody was born in Belfast on January 18, 1964.
Richard Thomas Dunwoody was born in Belfast on January 18, 1964.
His father, George, had run away from home as a teenager to find work with horses.
His father, George, had run away from home as a teenager to find work with horses.
His mother was the daughter of Epsom trainer Dick Thrale who had ridden Ardoon's Pride (fell) in the chaotic 66-runner Grand National of 1929.
His mother was the daughter of Epsom trainer Dick Thrale who had ridden Ardoon's Pride (fell) in the chaotic 66-runner Grand National of 1929.
When aged just two, Richard was sat on a pony and, four years later, was hunting with the hounds.
When aged just two, Richard was sat on a pony and, four years later, was hunting with the hounds.
Richard was eight when his family left Ireland, moving first to Gloucestershire then on to Newmarket.
Richard was eight when his family left Ireland, moving first to Gloucestershire then on to Newmarket.
Already his obsession to be a jockey was evident: at boarding school (Rendcomb College in Cheltenham) he starved himself to the point of collapsing and being rushed to hospital.
Already his obsession to be a jockey was evident: at boarding school (Rendcomb College in Cheltenham) he starved himself to the point of collapsing and being rushed to hospital.
In December, 1981, having served brief spells with Paul Kelleway and John Bosley, he began work for Captain Tim Forster who sent out horses from his Letcombe Bassett (near Wantage, Berks.) yard. The stable jockey at the time was Hywel Davies from whom Richard rapidly learned.
In December, 1981, having served brief spells with Paul Kelleway and John Bosley, he began work for Captain Tim Forster who sent out horses from his Letcombe Bassett (near Wantage, Berks.) yard. The stable jockey at the time was Hywel Davies from whom Richard rapidly learned.
Richard had his first ride on Mallard's Song at Chepstow, Monday, August 30, 1982. It was a two-mile flat race and, starting at 33/1, Richard came second.
Richard had his first ride on Mallard's Song at Chepstow, Monday, August 30, 1982. It was a two-mile flat race and, starting at 33/1, Richard came second.
He rode his first winner the following May when successful on Game Trust at Cheltenham's hunter chase meeting. Game trust was trained by Colin Nash who sadly died from motor neurone disease. When Richard finally retired from race-riding he set off on a 150-mile sleigh-pulling trek across the frozen wastes of Baffin Island in the Arctic Circle with all proceeds going to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
He rode his first winner the following May when successful on Game Trust at Cheltenham's hunter chase meeting. Game trust was trained by Colin Nash who sadly died from motor neurone disease. When Richard finally retired from race-riding he set off on a 150-mile sleigh-pulling trek across the frozen wastes of Baffin Island in the Arctic Circle with all proceeds going to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
In 1984, Hywel Davies was injured and Richard stepped in and, in that season - his first as a professional - he rode 46 winners. Theses included two good Cheltenham Festival winners; Von Trappe in the Coral Golden Handicap Hurdle Final, and, significantly, West Tip in the Ritz Club Chase, who was trained by Michael E. Oliver at Droitwich, Worcs.
In 1984, Hywel Davies was injured and Richard stepped in and, in that season - his first as a professional - he rode 46 winners. Theses included two good Cheltenham Festival winners; Von Trappe in the Coral Golden Handicap Hurdle Final, and, significantly, West Tip in the Ritz Club Chase, who was trained by Michael E. Oliver at Droitwich, Worcs.
This was Richard's second win on West Tip: together they had already won the Mildmay-Cazalet Chase at Sandown. 16 days after their Cheltenham victory, they headed to Aintree for the Grand National. Starting 13/2 favourite, West Tip came down after getting too close at the second Becher's.
This was Richard's second win on West Tip: together they had already won the Mildmay-Cazalet Chase at Sandown. 16 days after their Cheltenham victory, they headed to Aintree for the Grand National. Starting 13/2 favourite, West Tip came down after getting too close at the second Becher's.
The race was won by Hywel Davies riding Captain Forster's Last Suspect.
The race was won by Hywel Davies riding Captain Forster's Last Suspect.
Afterwards, Richard, aged 21 and the youngest rider in the race, confidently told reporters that they would be back the next year and win.
Afterwards, Richard, aged 21 and the youngest rider in the race, confidently told reporters that they would be back the next year and win.
And so it proved.
And so it proved.
Richard overhauled Young Diver on the run-in for a comfortable two-length victory.
Richard overhauled Young Diver on the run-in for a comfortable two-length victory.
West Tip & Richard competed in three further Grand Nationals but were never to repeat their 1984 glory.
West Tip & Richard competed in three further Grand Nationals but were never to repeat their 1984 glory.
But they did all right.
But they did all right.
They came fourth in 1987 (carrying ten pound extra).
They came fourth in 1987 (carrying ten pound extra).
Then they were fourth again in 1987 to Rhyme 'N' Reason and, in 1989, second to Little Polvier.
Then they were fourth again in 1987 to Rhyme 'N' Reason and, in 1989, second to Little Polvier.
The following year Richard partnered Bigsun (6th) and pulled up on the same horse in 1991.
The following year Richard partnered Bigsun (6th) and pulled up on the same horse in 1991.
In 1992, Richard's mount, Brown Windsor, collided with another horse and fell.
In 1992, Richard's mount, Brown Windsor, collided with another horse and fell.
The National that never was took place in 1993.
The National that never was took place in 1993.
A complete shambles, Richard had tape wrapped around his neck at a chaotic false start.
A complete shambles, Richard had tape wrapped around his neck at a chaotic false start.
In the 1985-86 season, Richard had ridden as second jockey (behind Peter Scudamore) at David Nicholson's yard.
In the 1985-86 season, Richard had ridden as second jockey (behind Peter Scudamore) at David Nicholson's yard.
Soon after the 1993 National fiasco, news of Scudamore's retirement filtered through.
Soon after the 1993 National fiasco, news of Scudamore's retirement filtered through.
This left the way clear for Richard to gain his first jockeys' championship (with 173 winners).
This left the way clear for Richard to gain his first jockeys' championship (with 173 winners).
In 1993, Richard became stable jockey to Martin Pipe. Such was the dominance of Pipe that his stable jockey was virtually guaranteed to become champion jockey, but, that year, it nearly didn't work out that way.
In 1993, Richard became stable jockey to Martin Pipe. Such was the dominance of Pipe that his stable jockey was virtually guaranteed to become champion jockey, but, that year, it nearly didn't work out that way.
The genius that was Adrian Maguire suddenly emerged and an exhausting ten-month began which was only resolved on the final day of the season with Richard beating Adrian 197 to 194.
The genius that was Adrian Maguire suddenly emerged and an exhausting ten-month began which was only resolved on the final day of the season with Richard beating Adrian 197 to 194.
But the title race had taken its toll on the ashen-faced rider.
But the title race had taken its toll on the ashen-faced rider.
The next season he was banned for a month after a brush with Luke Harvey. He returned heavy and fed up. Then one of his great riding friends was killed and, with his marriage in tatters, his diet a mess and his focus distracted, he could easily have retired then. That he did not may be credited to the psychologists he visited and friends who all urged him to carry on.
The next season he was banned for a month after a brush with Luke Harvey. He returned heavy and fed up. Then one of his great riding friends was killed and, with his marriage in tatters, his diet a mess and his focus distracted, he could easily have retired then. That he did not may be credited to the psychologists he visited and friends who all urged him to carry on.
In 1994, apart from getting the better of Adrian, Richard also won the Grand National.
In 1994, apart from getting the better of Adrian, Richard also won the Grand National.
His mount, Minnehoma, carried the number 8, as had West Tip and, on similar muddy ground encountered by his first National winner, beat Just So by a length and a half.
His mount, Minnehoma, carried the number 8, as had West Tip and, on similar muddy ground encountered by his first National winner, beat Just So by a length and a half.
When Richard was beaten into second on Call It A Day by Bobbyjo in 1999, few people knew the full extent of the muscular trouble to his right arm. For months, due to an old injury, he had been unable to raise the whip in his right hand and, in December, 1999 - having consulted numerous specialists in Europe and the United States - he was forced to retire.
When Richard was beaten into second on Call It A Day by Bobbyjo in 1999, few people knew the full extent of the muscular trouble to his right arm. For months, due to an old injury, he had been unable to raise the whip in his right hand and, in December, 1999 - having consulted numerous specialists in Europe and the United States - he was forced to retire.
He said at the time, 'for the past three months, I've been looking for a way back but it just wasn't there. I tried all the top neurosurgeons. orthopaedics and physiotherapists but none of them could give me any hope. I feel a deep sense of loss and I shall miss the weighing room dreadfully. The last four years of my career were much the most enjoyable and I can go out knowing that six of my last nine rides were winners.'
He said at the time, 'for the past three months, I've been looking for a way back but it just wasn't there. I tried all the top neurosurgeons. orthopaedics and physiotherapists but none of them could give me any hope. I feel a deep sense of loss and I shall miss the weighing room dreadfully. The last four years of my career were much the most enjoyable and I can go out knowing that six of my last nine rides were winners.'
After 9,399 races and 1,699 wins, Richard - in 17 seasons - had won most of the major NH races.
After 9,399 races and 1,699 wins, Richard - in 17 seasons - had won most of the major NH races.
At the time of his retirement, he was one of only four jockeys - the others being Fred Winter, Willie Robinson and Bobby Beasley - since the Second World War to have won the Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cup & Champion Hurdle.
At the time of his retirement, he was one of only four jockeys - the others being Fred Winter, Willie Robinson and Bobby Beasley - since the Second World War to have won the Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cup & Champion Hurdle.
His most emotional win had come at Easter, 1997, in the Power Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.
His most emotional win had come at Easter, 1997, in the Power Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.
Doran Pride's regular jockey, young Shane Broderick, had taken a horrific fall earlier at the meeting. He had been critically injured and immediately it was known that if he pulled through, which was no certainty at the time, he would be paralysed from the neck down.
Doran Pride's regular jockey, young Shane Broderick, had taken a horrific fall earlier at the meeting. He had been critically injured and immediately it was known that if he pulled through, which was no certainty at the time, he would be paralysed from the neck down.
Out of respect for Shane, Doran's Pride was very nearly withdrawn but it was finally agreed that Shane would not have wanted that so Richard was asked to deputise.
Out of respect for Shane, Doran's Pride was very nearly withdrawn but it was finally agreed that Shane would not have wanted that so Richard was asked to deputise.
The trainer's wife, Kay Hourigan, led the horse out in tears: when Doran's Pride won, beating Jeffell by 5 lengths, everyone was crying.
The trainer's wife, Kay Hourigan, led the horse out in tears: when Doran's Pride won, beating Jeffell by 5 lengths, everyone was crying.
Richard then completely threw himself into his charity work: taking up running, he competed in the Great North Run and the London & New York marathons.
Richard then completely threw himself into his charity work: taking up running, he competed in the Great North Run and the London & New York marathons.
He took part in a 330-mile race to the magnetic North Pole during which he dislocated his right shoulder as the result of two bruising falls.
He took part in a 330-mile race to the magnetic North Pole during which he dislocated his right shoulder as the result of two bruising falls.
He competed in the World Cup Rally across the Sahara Desert and climbed Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Andes.
He competed in the World Cup Rally across the Sahara Desert and climbed Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Andes.
In 2008, he tackled the hazardous route to the South Pole proposed in 1914 by Sir Ernest Shackleton. He took with him one book - The Count of Monte Cristo - while his i-pod contained a history of Britain from the 16th century.
In 2008, he tackled the hazardous route to the South Pole proposed in 1914 by Sir Ernest Shackleton. He took with him one book - The Count of Monte Cristo - while his i-pod contained a history of Britain from the 16th century.
Richard also became president of the Jockeys' Association and was an eloquent and progressive spokesman on the issues that mattered. He championed the cause of racecourse safety and led the campaign to allow sponsorship on jockeys' silks.
Richard also became president of the Jockeys' Association and was an eloquent and progressive spokesman on the issues that mattered. He championed the cause of racecourse safety and led the campaign to allow sponsorship on jockeys' silks.
Richard Johnson summed up Richard thus: 'He had his own way of doing things, on and off horseback, and few people probably felt very close to him. He was a fantastic jockey, much the best of his time, and I just wish he could enjoy it more.'
Richard Johnson summed up Richard thus: 'He had his own way of doing things, on and off horseback, and few people probably felt very close to him. He was a fantastic jockey, much the best of his time, and I just wish he could enjoy it more.'
Richard Dunwoody, once he had retired from the saddle, virtually cut himself off from racing. When the 2002 Cheltenham festival began, he was conspicuous by his absence. He refused to go and watch.
Richard Dunwoody, once he had retired from the saddle, virtually cut himself off from racing. When the 2002 Cheltenham festival began, he was conspicuous by his absence. He refused to go and watch.
His 1,000th winner was on Flakey Dove at Cheltenham on Jan 29, 1994.
His 1,000th winner was on Flakey Dove at Cheltenham on Jan 29, 1994.
His 1,679th winner was Yorkshire Edition at Wincanton on April 5th, 1999.
His 1,679th winner was Yorkshire Edition at Wincanton on April 5th, 1999.
His best season was 1993-94 with 197 winners.
His best season was 1993-94 with 197 winners.
He was Champion Jockey in 1992-93, 1993-94 & 1994-95.
He was Champion Jockey in 1992-93, 1993-94 & 1994-95.
Big race winners included:
Big race winners included:
Grand National - West Tip (1986) & Minnehoma (1994)
Grand National - West Tip (1986) & Minnehoma (1994)
Cheltenham Gold Cup - Charter Party (1988)
Cheltenham Gold Cup - Charter Party (1988)
Champion Hurdle - Kribensis ((1990)
Champion Hurdle - Kribensis ((1990)
Irish Grand National Desert Orchid (1990)
Irish Grand National Desert Orchid (1990)
King George Vl Chase - Desert Orchid (1989, 1990) & One Man (1995, 1996)
King George Vl Chase - Desert Orchid (1989, 1990) & One Man (1995, 1996)
A potentially brilliant horse that Richard rode was the ill-fated Rushing Wild who, amazingly, began his career in the same Division of the Mendip Farmer's Maiden as that mighty hunter-chaser, Double Silk. On that occasion, Rushing Wild finished a five-length second to Double Silk.
A potentially brilliant horse that Richard rode was the ill-fated Rushing Wild who, amazingly, began his career in the same Division of the Mendip Farmer's Maiden as that mighty hunter-chaser, Double Silk. On that occasion, Rushing Wild finished a five-length second to Double Silk.
Such was his improvement, Rushing Wild was then aimed at, and won, the 1992 Foxhunters at Cheltenham ridden by that good amateur, Justin Farthing.
Such was his improvement, Rushing Wild was then aimed at, and won, the 1992 Foxhunters at Cheltenham ridden by that good amateur, Justin Farthing.
In the 1993 Gold Cup, Richard - having 'jocked-off' Jonothan Lower - asked Rushing Wild to go on after the fence at the top of the hill. It was a long way from home, but Richard knew the horse to be a galloper. They were beaten in the last few strides by Jodami.
In the 1993 Gold Cup, Richard - having 'jocked-off' Jonothan Lower - asked Rushing Wild to go on after the fence at the top of the hill. It was a long way from home, but Richard knew the horse to be a galloper. They were beaten in the last few strides by Jodami.
The 8-year-old Rushing Wild fractured his pelvis during the running of the Jameson Irish Grand National that Easter Monday and was immediately destroyed.
The 8-year-old Rushing Wild fractured his pelvis during the running of the Jameson Irish Grand National that Easter Monday and was immediately destroyed.
Richard, walking back to the stands with an empty bridle, had lost one of the greatest chasers that he had ever ridden.
Richard, walking back to the stands with an empty bridle, had lost one of the greatest chasers that he had ever ridden.
Richard's grandfather trained Indigenous which broke the world five-furlong record when clocking a time of 53.6 seconds at Epsom.
Richard's grandfather trained Indigenous which broke the world five-furlong record when clocking a time of 53.6 seconds at Epsom.
Richard Dunwoody
Richard Dunwoody
Grand National winners: West Tip (1986), Miinnehoma (1994)
Grand National winners: West Tip (1986), Miinnehoma (1994)
Cheltenham Gold Cup winner: Charter Party (1988)
Cheltenham Gold Cup winner: Charter Party (1988)
Champion Hurdle: Kribensis (1990)
Champion Hurdle: Kribensis (1990)
Other big winners:
Other big winners:
1985: Mildmay-Cazalet Memorial Chase – West Tip
1985: Mildmay-Cazalet Memorial Chase – West Tip
1985: Ritz Club Handicap Chase – West Tip
1985: Ritz Club Handicap Chase – West Tip
1985: Coral Golden Hurdle Final – Von Trappe
1985: Coral Golden Hurdle Final – Von Trappe
1985: Tingle Creek Handicap Chase – Lefrek City
1985: Tingle Creek Handicap Chase – Lefrek City
1986: Topham Trophy Chase – Glenrue
1986: Topham Trophy Chase – Glenrue
1986: Mackeson Gold Cup – Very Promising
1986: Mackeson Gold Cup – Very Promising
1986: Rowland Meyrick Chase – The Thinker
1986: Rowland Meyrick Chase – The Thinker
1987: Tingle Creek Handicap Chase – Long Engagement
1987: Tingle Creek Handicap Chase – Long Engagement
1987: Long Walk Hurdle – Bluff Cove
1987: Long Walk Hurdle – Bluff Cove
1988: Triumph Hurdle – Kribensis
1988: Triumph Hurdle – Kribensis
1989: Mildmay-Cazalet Memorial Chase – Mr Frisk
1989: Mildmay-Cazalet Memorial Chase – Mr Frisk
1989: Tote Gold Trophy – Gay Salute
1989: Tote Gold Trophy – Gay Salute
1989: Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase – Waterloo Boy
1989: Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase – Waterloo Boy
1989: King George VI Chase – Desert Orchid
1989: King George VI Chase – Desert Orchid
1990: Racing Post Chase – Desert Orchid
1990: Racing Post Chase – Desert Orchid
1990: Topham Trophy Chase – Won’t Be Gone Long
1990: Topham Trophy Chase – Won’t Be Gone Long
1990: King George VI Chase – Desert Orchid
1990: King George VI Chase – Desert Orchid
1990: Castleford Chase – Waterloo Boy
1990: Castleford Chase – Waterloo Boy
1991: Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase – Remittance Man
1991: Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase – Remittance Man
1991: Mackeson Gold Cup – Another Coral
1991: Mackeson Gold Cup – Another Coral
1991: Tingle Creek Handicap Chase – Waterloo Boy
1991: Tingle Creek Handicap Chase – Waterloo Boy
1991: Castleford Chase – Waterloo Boy
1991: Castleford Chase – Waterloo Boy
1992: Topham Trophy Chase – The Antartex
1992: Topham Trophy Chase – The Antartex
1992: Tingle Creek Handicap Chase – Waterloo Boy
1992: Tingle Creek Handicap Chase – Waterloo Boy
1992: Tripleprint Gold Cup – Another Coral
1992: Tripleprint Gold Cup – Another Coral
1993: County Hurdle – Thumbs Up
1993: County Hurdle – Thumbs Up
1993: Whitbread Gold Cup – Topsham Bay
1993: Whitbread Gold Cup – Topsham Bay
1993: Welsh Grand National – Riverside Boy
1993: Welsh Grand National – Riverside Boy
1995: Tingle Creek Trophy Chase – Sound Man
1995: Tingle Creek Trophy Chase – Sound Man
1996: Racing Post Chase – Rough Quest
1996: Racing Post Chase – Rough Quest
1996: Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase – Ventana Canyon
1996: Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase – Ventana Canyon
1996: Triumph Hurdle – Paddy’s Return
1996: Triumph Hurdle – Paddy’s Return
1996: Charlie Hall Chase – One Man
1996: Charlie Hall Chase – One Man
1996: Murphy’s Gold Cup – Challenge Du Luc
1996: Murphy’s Gold Cup – Challenge Du Luc
1996: Tingle Creek Trophy Chase – Sound Man
1996: Tingle Creek Trophy Chase – Sound Man
1996: King George VI Chase – One Man
1996: King George VI Chase – One Man
1997: Royal & Sun Alliance Chase – Hanakham
1997: Royal & Sun Alliance Chase – Hanakham
1997: Champion Bumper – Florida Pearl
1997: Champion Bumper – Florida Pearl
1997: County Hurdle – Barna Boy
1997: County Hurdle – Barna Boy
1997: King George VI Chase – One Man
1997: King George VI Chase – One Man
1998: Royal & Sun Alliance Chase – Florida Pearl
1998: Royal & Sun Alliance Chase – Florida Pearl
1998: Long Walk Hurdle – Princeful
1998: Long Walk Hurdle – Princeful
1999: Racing Post Chase – Dr Leunt
1999: Racing Post Chase – Dr Leunt
Major wins in Ireland include:
Major wins in Ireland include:
1990: Irish Grand National – Desert Orchid
1990: Irish Grand National – Desert Orchid
1993: Punchestown Champion Chase – Viking Flagship
1993: Punchestown Champion Chase – Viking Flagship
1997: Power Gold Cup – Dorans Pride
1997: Power Gold Cup – Dorans Pride
1997: Kerry National – Dorans Pride
1997: Kerry National – Dorans Pride
1997: Morris Oil Chase – Dorans Pride
1997: Morris Oil Chase – Dorans Pride
1987: Hot Power Chase – Dorans Pride
1987: Hot Power Chase – Dorans Pride
1998: Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup – Dorans Pride
1998: Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup – Dorans Pride
1998: Dr P.J. Moriarty Memorial Novice Chase – Florida Pearl
1998: Dr P.J. Moriarty Memorial Novice Chase – Florida Pearl
1998: Kilkenny Irish Beer Champion Chase – Dorans Pride
1998: Kilkenny Irish Beer Champion Chase – Dorans Pride
1999: Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup – Florida Pearl
1999: Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup – Florida Pearl
1999: Punchestown Champion Chase – Celibate
1999: Punchestown Champion Chase – Celibate