Mick Hehir
Born in 1882, northern-based National Hunt jockey Michael (Mick) Hehir rode a total of 91 winners between 1906 and 1923 in a career disrupted by World War One.
Born in 1882, northern-based National Hunt jockey Michael (Mick) Hehir rode a total of 91 winners between 1906 and 1923 in a career disrupted by World War One.
He made a perfect start to his riding career over jumps, winning on his first mount, 10-1 outsider Yenikale in the Makerfield Handicap Chase at Haydock Park on January 10, 1906.
He made a perfect start to his riding career over jumps, winning on his first mount, 10-1 outsider Yenikale in the Makerfield Handicap Chase at Haydock Park on January 10, 1906.
Mick rode 12 winners in both 1910 and 1911 and a career-best 20 on 1912. That 20-race haul in 1912 included a treble at Clifton Park (Blackpool) on February 24 aboard Tynefield in the Fylde Selling Handicap Chase, Stag’s Head in the Clifton Park Handicap Chase, and Little Burdon in the Novices’ Chase.
Mick rode 12 winners in both 1910 and 1911 and a career-best 20 on 1912. That 20-race haul in 1912 included a treble at Clifton Park (Blackpool) on February 24 aboard Tynefield in the Fylde Selling Handicap Chase, Stag’s Head in the Clifton Park Handicap Chase, and Little Burdon in the Novices’ Chase.
Two months later, he recorded a double at Brocklesby Hunt in April 17 on Rathbeggan in the Grimsby Chase and Last Back in the Brocklesby Open Chase; then six days after that notched another treble, this time at Southwell, winning the Osmaston Selling Handicap Hurdle on Seppuku, the Foxcatchers’ Hunters’ Chase on Bright Light III, and the Hunters’ Maiden Chase on Last Beck.
Two months later, he recorded a double at Brocklesby Hunt in April 17 on Rathbeggan in the Grimsby Chase and Last Back in the Brocklesby Open Chase; then six days after that notched another treble, this time at Southwell, winning the Osmaston Selling Handicap Hurdle on Seppuku, the Foxcatchers’ Hunters’ Chase on Bright Light III, and the Hunters’ Maiden Chase on Last Beck.
Although those three years were the only ones in which Mick attained double-figure scores, World War One undoubtedly robbed him of further success. He rode for a couple of seasons on the Flat after the war but relinquished his licence in 1921.
Although those three years were the only ones in which Mick attained double-figure scores, World War One undoubtedly robbed him of further success. He rode for a couple of seasons on the Flat after the war but relinquished his licence in 1921.
He registered his last win aboard 5-4 on favourite Tally-Ho on the Wiseton Selling Chase at Retford Hunt on April 9, 1923. Tally-Ho was also his final ride in the corresponding race the following year, March 31, 1924, their race ending in a fall.
He registered his last win aboard 5-4 on favourite Tally-Ho on the Wiseton Selling Chase at Retford Hunt on April 9, 1923. Tally-Ho was also his final ride in the corresponding race the following year, March 31, 1924, their race ending in a fall.
