Michael Kavanagh
Michael Kavanagh
Michael Kavanagh
There have been examples of twins riding in the same race, most notably Michael and Richard Hills, who competed against other on countless occasions during their long and successful careers. However, it is hard to think of many others, particularly over jumps.
There have been examples of twins riding in the same race, most notably Michael and Richard Hills, who competed against other on countless occasions during their long and successful careers. However, it is hard to think of many others, particularly over jumps.
To have twins is one thing. To give them virtually identical Christian names is asking for trouble. But that was the choice that the parents of twins Henry Michael Kavanagh and Michael Henry Kavanagh made when their sons were born in County Wicklow, Ireland on 1st August 1943. Even more confusingly, both went on to become National Hunt jockeys.
To have twins is one thing. To give them virtually identical Christian names is asking for trouble. But that was the choice that the parents of twins Henry Michael Kavanagh and Michael Henry Kavanagh made when their sons were born in County Wicklow, Ireland on 1st August 1943. Even more confusingly, both went on to become National Hunt jockeys.
Henry was the more successful of the pair, riding a total of 24 winners over jumps in Britain, the first in October 1966, before his career was ended by a fall five years later.
Henry was the more successful of the pair, riding a total of 24 winners over jumps in Britain, the first in October 1966, before his career was ended by a fall five years later.
Michael only rode two winners, but it was he who struck first, achieving his initial British victory on Methane, trained by Jim Wibberley, in the Summer Handicap Hurdle (Division 2) at Stratford on June 4, 1966, winning by two and a half lengths from Red Falcon, the mount of Joe Guest.
Michael only rode two winners, but it was he who struck first, achieving his initial British victory on Methane, trained by Jim Wibberley, in the Summer Handicap Hurdle (Division 2) at Stratford on June 4, 1966, winning by two and a half lengths from Red Falcon, the mount of Joe Guest.
His only other success came at Newcastle on October 23, 1968, when winning the Wagtail (Professional Riders) Selling Handicap Chasse on 15-year-old Bright Lancer, beating two rivals.
His only other success came at Newcastle on October 23, 1968, when winning the Wagtail (Professional Riders) Selling Handicap Chasse on 15-year-old Bright Lancer, beating two rivals.
Bright Lancer ran only once more, when twin brother Henry rode him in a selling chase at Cheltenham the following month. Michael rode in the same race, on Hazzi Baba. Both horses were pulled up but it was a rare example of twins riding in a steeplechase.
Bright Lancer ran only once more, when twin brother Henry rode him in a selling chase at Cheltenham the following month. Michael rode in the same race, on Hazzi Baba. Both horses were pulled up but it was a rare example of twins riding in a steeplechase.
Michael only rode for a few months longer, relinquishing his licence in March 1969 with just those two British jump winners to his name.
Michael only rode for a few months longer, relinquishing his licence in March 1969 with just those two British jump winners to his name.
Michael's first win: June 4 1966
Michael's first win: June 4 1966
Michael's second win: October 23 1968
Michael's second win: October 23 1968
Twins Michael & Henry in opposition
Twins Michael & Henry in opposition