Michael Colbert
1885-1956
Michael Colbert, known as Mack, was an Irish jockey who made occasional forays across the Irish Sea and rode two winners over jumps.
Born in Athea, Co. Limerick in 1885, he rode on the Flat in England in 1909 but without success. He opened his English account when, on January 10, 1914 at Haydock Park, his mount Pinkeen gained a four-length success in the Earlstown Handicap Hurdle.
Like most jockeys of that period in Ireland, Michael plied his trade both on the Flat and over hurdles and fences. Typical was a day at Longford on October 10, 1921, when he won the Corinthian Plate on the Flat and finished second in the Greenfield Handicap Hurdle. Ironically, the Flat race was a two-mile contest while the hurdle race was run over a mile and a half.
He was the elder brother of Dan Colbert, who won back-to-back Irish Grand Nationals in 1920 and 1921. Michael rode in the race just once, on Lord Callart in 1921, but they were out of contention when pulling up.
His second win in England was again at Haydock Park, on Glen Reagh in the Ashton Hurdle on January 4, 1924. He held an English licence until the 1928/29 season but rode no more winners.
Michael Colbert died in 1956.
Michael Colbert's first win in England: Pinkeen at Haydock Park, 10 January 1914
