Gerard Griffin
1947 - 2020
1947 - 2020
Born in Ireland in 1947, Gerard Patrick Griffin was apprenticed to Clem Magnier and rode 12 winners in Ireland before coming to England in September 1967 to ride for Arthur Stephenson.
Born in Ireland in 1947, Gerard Patrick Griffin was apprenticed to Clem Magnier and rode 12 winners in Ireland before coming to England in September 1967 to ride for Arthur Stephenson.
His first winner in Britain was Tipperty, at Doncaster on January 26, 1968.
His first winner in Britain was Tipperty, at Doncaster on January 26, 1968.
His best wins included Relevant in the 1974 Victor Ludorum Hurdle and Supermaster in the 1969 Princess Royal Handicap Hurdle ( a race he won again in 1971 on Camaguey).
His best wins included Relevant in the 1974 Victor Ludorum Hurdle and Supermaster in the 1969 Princess Royal Handicap Hurdle ( a race he won again in 1971 on Camaguey).
Following his retirement from the saddle, Gerry became a successful bloodstock agent. Closely associated with trainer Nicky Richards, Gerry selected many high-class horses from the store sales, none better than the popular chaser Monet's Garden who won 17 races.
Following his retirement from the saddle, Gerry became a successful bloodstock agent. Closely associated with trainer Nicky Richards, Gerry selected many high-class horses from the store sales, none better than the popular chaser Monet's Garden who won 17 races.
Gerry Griffin died in November 2020, aged 73. He was survived by his wife Kate, children Sharon and Paul, and five grandchildren.
Gerry Griffin died in November 2020, aged 73. He was survived by his wife Kate, children Sharon and Paul, and five grandchildren.
Big winners:
Big winners:
1969: Princess Royal Handicap Hurdle – Supermaster
1969: Princess Royal Handicap Hurdle – Supermaster
1971: Princess Royal handicap Hurdle – Camaguey
1971: Princess Royal handicap Hurdle – Camaguey
1974: Victor Ludorum Hurdle – Relevant
1974: Victor Ludorum Hurdle – Relevant