Mick Kinane
Mick Kinane's first encounter with the scales came at 5 a.m., Monday, 22 June, 1959, when he weighed in at 5 lb 12 oz. at Cashel Hospital, Tipperary.
Mick Kinane's first encounter with the scales came at 5 a.m., Monday, 22 June, 1959, when he weighed in at 5 lb 12 oz. at Cashel Hospital, Tipperary.
Never sleeping for more than two hours at a time, the new arrival proved a handful for parents Tommy & Frances: in desperation, she put brandy in his bottle to encourage deeper sleep. Tommy was more concerned about how small the baby was.
Never sleeping for more than two hours at a time, the new arrival proved a handful for parents Tommy & Frances: in desperation, she put brandy in his bottle to encourage deeper sleep. Tommy was more concerned about how small the baby was.
He needn't have worried: on the youngster's first day first day at St Michael's School in Holycross, a bully picked on him. Big mistake - he was instantly flattened by a punch in the face. (The would-be bully would not have known that he was picking on a future champion boxer.)
He needn't have worried: on the youngster's first day first day at St Michael's School in Holycross, a bully picked on him. Big mistake - he was instantly flattened by a punch in the face. (The would-be bully would not have known that he was picking on a future champion boxer.)
Suitably admonished, he never troubled the small boy again.
Suitably admonished, he never troubled the small boy again.
Other early memories cherished by Mick were gathered at the nearby Farney Castle Stables. Together with his elder brother, Thomas, Mick would cycle over after school to help with the brushing and cleaning. As a reward they were allowed to ride the quiet horses home from the gallops.
Other early memories cherished by Mick were gathered at the nearby Farney Castle Stables. Together with his elder brother, Thomas, Mick would cycle over after school to help with the brushing and cleaning. As a reward they were allowed to ride the quiet horses home from the gallops.
Mick had also took up an interest in boxing: his brothers were already involved and Mick would train with them.
Mick had also took up an interest in boxing: his brothers were already involved and Mick would train with them.
Mick was ten when his father bought a farm at Crohane, and he switched to St Mary's National School in Killenaule.
Mick was ten when his father bought a farm at Crohane, and he switched to St Mary's National School in Killenaule.
By the time he left school he was the holder of the Munster Juvenile Championship in the 6st. 7 lb category.
By the time he left school he was the holder of the Munster Juvenile Championship in the 6st. 7 lb category.
Other talents included sketching and mimicking (Stan Laurel being his party piece).
Other talents included sketching and mimicking (Stan Laurel being his party piece).
Then Mick turned to showjumping. He won a lot of competitions on Crohane, a pony bought for him by his Uncle Mick and named after his father's house. Aged 12, he won a pony race at Ballinahone.
Then Mick turned to showjumping. He won a lot of competitions on Crohane, a pony bought for him by his Uncle Mick and named after his father's house. Aged 12, he won a pony race at Ballinahone.
Two years later, he and Thomas began riding out for Edward O'Grady on Saturday mornings and during the school holidays.
Two years later, he and Thomas began riding out for Edward O'Grady on Saturday mornings and during the school holidays.
Soon Mick was offered his first ride in public - Muscari, a difficult, one-eyed five-year-old with an aversion to race right-handed. Left-handed Leopardstown, therefore, had been chosen for Mick's debut.
Soon Mick was offered his first ride in public - Muscari, a difficult, one-eyed five-year-old with an aversion to race right-handed. Left-handed Leopardstown, therefore, had been chosen for Mick's debut.
At 16-1, Mick and Mucari won by three lengths beating 27 others. Mick had been promised half-a-crown by Muscari's for every horse that he beat; it was his first real racing payday.
At 16-1, Mick and Mucari won by three lengths beating 27 others. Mick had been promised half-a-crown by Muscari's for every horse that he beat; it was his first real racing payday.
That Easter, Mick joined trainer Liam Browne, fully expecting to return to school after the holiday, but Liam insisted that he stayed on full-time.
That Easter, Mick joined trainer Liam Browne, fully expecting to return to school after the holiday, but Liam insisted that he stayed on full-time.
Browne, aged 37, was at that time a master at producing successful apprentices, and Mick had no hesitation in remaining with him.
Browne, aged 37, was at that time a master at producing successful apprentices, and Mick had no hesitation in remaining with him.
He shared digs with Stephen Craine, both getting up at 6.30 a.m. each day. Apart from a forty minute lunch break, it was non-stop work until returning home. There were no weekend breaks, but the rewards came with being offered rides.
He shared digs with Stephen Craine, both getting up at 6.30 a.m. each day. Apart from a forty minute lunch break, it was non-stop work until returning home. There were no weekend breaks, but the rewards came with being offered rides.
He rode his second winner, Irish Reports, at Dundalk two months later.
He rode his second winner, Irish Reports, at Dundalk two months later.
The win, however, which really got things moving for Mick, however, came on Monksfield in an apprentice race at Naas. Few gave the 8-1 shot a chance yet Mick managed to beat the Tommy Carmody-ridden favourite Masqued Dancer by a head.
The win, however, which really got things moving for Mick, however, came on Monksfield in an apprentice race at Naas. Few gave the 8-1 shot a chance yet Mick managed to beat the Tommy Carmody-ridden favourite Masqued Dancer by a head.
Mick bettered this on June 5, 1976, at Leopardstown. He was to ride Reeling Jig in a Group Three race (which meant could not claim his 7lb apprentice allowance). Mick, aged 16, won on the 6-1 chance by two lengths. This Group race success was his only his 14th winner, an amazing achievement for one so young.
Mick bettered this on June 5, 1976, at Leopardstown. He was to ride Reeling Jig in a Group Three race (which meant could not claim his 7lb apprentice allowance). Mick, aged 16, won on the 6-1 chance by two lengths. This Group race success was his only his 14th winner, an amazing achievement for one so young.
Mick now came to the attention of Eva & Michael Kauntze, who approached Browne to see if they could have first call on his apprentice. Browne agreed.
Mick now came to the attention of Eva & Michael Kauntze, who approached Browne to see if they could have first call on his apprentice. Browne agreed.
The arrangement worked well. Mick found his new boss to be a perfect gentleman and always in a good mood, so unlike the hard-liner Liam Browne.
The arrangement worked well. Mick found his new boss to be a perfect gentleman and always in a good mood, so unlike the hard-liner Liam Browne.
In 1977, Mick rode six winners from the stable, including Jade Dancer on his first ride in England. This came at Chester's September meeting.
In 1977, Mick rode six winners from the stable, including Jade Dancer on his first ride in England. This came at Chester's September meeting.
The following year he won his first Group race for Kauntze (Enid Calling in the Mulcahy Stakes at Phoenix Park).
The following year he won his first Group race for Kauntze (Enid Calling in the Mulcahy Stakes at Phoenix Park).
A month later he lost his claim when guiding Kauntze's Coalminer to victory in the Listed Marble Hill Stakes.
A month later he lost his claim when guiding Kauntze's Coalminer to victory in the Listed Marble Hill Stakes.
With 46 winners, he became champion apprentice and was rewarded with a six-week working holiday in California.
With 46 winners, he became champion apprentice and was rewarded with a six-week working holiday in California.
His luck turned with a vengeance in 1981 when he rode only 28 winners. Kauntze sent out only nine winners: the fault was eventually traced to a local farmer. Kauntze bought hay from him and discovered that it had been kiln-dried and was actually doing the horses harm because of it.
His luck turned with a vengeance in 1981 when he rode only 28 winners. Kauntze sent out only nine winners: the fault was eventually traced to a local farmer. Kauntze bought hay from him and discovered that it had been kiln-dried and was actually doing the horses harm because of it.
Mick won his first classic race on Dara Monarch which, at 20-1, won the Irish Two Thousand Guineas. This was also Liam Browne's first classic success.
Mick won his first classic race on Dara Monarch which, at 20-1, won the Irish Two Thousand Guineas. This was also Liam Browne's first classic success.
The partnership then went on to win that year's St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The partnership then went on to win that year's St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Browne was now training over 100 horses: Kauntze had only 40, and Mick realised that if he was to have a chance of becoming champion jockey, he would have to go back to Browne's.
Browne was now training over 100 horses: Kauntze had only 40, and Mick realised that if he was to have a chance of becoming champion jockey, he would have to go back to Browne's.
Initially, it seemed a good move: a win on Carlingford Castle in a Group Two race, and a ride in the Epsom Derby, but Mick found the tyrannical Browne difficult to work for and decided to move on.
Initially, it seemed a good move: a win on Carlingford Castle in a Group Two race, and a ride in the Epsom Derby, but Mick found the tyrannical Browne difficult to work for and decided to move on.
Mick had previous form with top trainer Dermot Weld - aged 16, Mick had won at Down Royal on King Eider for the stable - so when Weld invited him down to Rosewell House for talks, Mick was in a high state of excitement.
Mick had previous form with top trainer Dermot Weld - aged 16, Mick had won at Down Royal on King Eider for the stable - so when Weld invited him down to Rosewell House for talks, Mick was in a high state of excitement.
Weld, (left) aged 35, had taken over his father's Rosewell House stables when just 23 and, in 1977, had become the first Irish trainer to send out 100 flat winners in a season. He was also the first to train an American classic winner and the first to win the Melbourne Cup.
Weld, (left) aged 35, had taken over his father's Rosewell House stables when just 23 and, in 1977, had become the first Irish trainer to send out 100 flat winners in a season. He was also the first to train an American classic winner and the first to win the Melbourne Cup.
On the retirement of stable jockey Walter Swinburn, Weld had given the job to Darrel McHargue who had ridden over 2,000 winners in the States.
On the retirement of stable jockey Walter Swinburn, Weld had given the job to Darrel McHargue who had ridden over 2,000 winners in the States.
Weld, who was never happy with McHargue, told Mick that the American might not be staying. Would he be interested in taking over?
Weld, who was never happy with McHargue, told Mick that the American might not be staying. Would he be interested in taking over?
Weld then asked Mick about his smoking, his drinking and his temper. None of Mick's answers pleased him.
Weld then asked Mick about his smoking, his drinking and his temper. None of Mick's answers pleased him.
He promised he'd be in touch. He was, a month later, but not before offering Steve Cauthen the job, who declined.
He promised he'd be in touch. He was, a month later, but not before offering Steve Cauthen the job, who declined.
Weld then told Mick the job was his: it was the launching pad of what was to become a brilliant career.
Weld then told Mick the job was his: it was the launching pad of what was to become a brilliant career.
Mick, in his initial year with Weld, finished up as champion jockey for the first time, having ridden 88 winners.
Mick, in his initial year with Weld, finished up as champion jockey for the first time, having ridden 88 winners.
He was to win the title another 12 times.
He was to win the title another 12 times.
Yet one source of irritation remained. When Weld's horses ran outside Ireland, Mick was automatically replaced by such as Brent Thompson - who won the Cork & Orrey on Committed - and Steve Cauthen, who replaced Mick on the same horse when it won the Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp.
Yet one source of irritation remained. When Weld's horses ran outside Ireland, Mick was automatically replaced by such as Brent Thompson - who won the Cork & Orrey on Committed - and Steve Cauthen, who replaced Mick on the same horse when it won the Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp.
He then endured a rather mixed 1985.
He then endured a rather mixed 1985.
Having won the Italian 2,000 Guineas in Rome that April, he was - to the fury of Weld who could see nothing wrong with his jockey's riding - suspended for 10 days.
Having won the Italian 2,000 Guineas in Rome that April, he was - to the fury of Weld who could see nothing wrong with his jockey's riding - suspended for 10 days.
It was to prove expensive for Mick: Weld had some fancied runners at the Curragh all of which had to be ridden by outside jockeys. The main beneficiary was Lester Piggott, who won on three of them.
It was to prove expensive for Mick: Weld had some fancied runners at the Curragh all of which had to be ridden by outside jockeys. The main beneficiary was Lester Piggott, who won on three of them.
Back in the saddle, Mick then won his first Group One race in France when taking over from Brent Thompson on Committed. He beat top French jockey Freddie Head, riding Vilikaia, by a short head.
Back in the saddle, Mick then won his first Group One race in France when taking over from Brent Thompson on Committed. He beat top French jockey Freddie Head, riding Vilikaia, by a short head.
Then, a few short days later, Lady Luck turned her back on him.
Then, a few short days later, Lady Luck turned her back on him.
Riding Halifax in a two-year-old maiden at Gowran Park, Mick was brought down when clipping the heels of the Christy Roche-ridden Tite Street.
Riding Halifax in a two-year-old maiden at Gowran Park, Mick was brought down when clipping the heels of the Christy Roche-ridden Tite Street.
He was taken to Kilkenny Hospital. Kicked in the face, his jaw had been broken in three places.
He was taken to Kilkenny Hospital. Kicked in the face, his jaw had been broken in three places.
Fully recovered, Mick found 1986 a luckier time and kicked off by winning the Irish 2,000 Guineas again, this time on Flash of Steel.
Fully recovered, Mick found 1986 a luckier time and kicked off by winning the Irish 2,000 Guineas again, this time on Flash of Steel.
On June 7 that year he won the first five races at Phoenix Park, all on Weld horses. He was beaten just half-a-length in the last (much to the disgust of Weld who gave Mick an uncalled for rollicking after).
On June 7 that year he won the first five races at Phoenix Park, all on Weld horses. He was beaten just half-a-length in the last (much to the disgust of Weld who gave Mick an uncalled for rollicking after).
The following year - five years after his first - Mick rode his second winner at Royal Ascot, Big Shuffle in the Cork & Orrey.
The following year - five years after his first - Mick rode his second winner at Royal Ascot, Big Shuffle in the Cork & Orrey.
Big winners were now the order of the day: 1988 brought him his first Irish 1,00 Guineas (Trusted Partner) and, in 1989, his biggest win to date - Carroll House in the Arc de Triomphe. This was the day after he had won the Cartier Million on The Caretaker.
Big winners were now the order of the day: 1988 brought him his first Irish 1,00 Guineas (Trusted Partner) and, in 1989, his biggest win to date - Carroll House in the Arc de Triomphe. This was the day after he had won the Cartier Million on The Caretaker.
In 1990, Mick rode his first English classic winner when partnering Tirol in the 2,000 Guineas for Richard Hannon. This was the season in which he also won the King George Vl & Queen Elizabeth for trainer Henry Cecil on Belmez.
In 1990, Mick rode his first English classic winner when partnering Tirol in the 2,000 Guineas for Richard Hannon. This was the season in which he also won the King George Vl & Queen Elizabeth for trainer Henry Cecil on Belmez.
1993 saw Mick achieve a lifetime's ambition when winning the Epsom Derby on Commander In Chief. He also, that year, won the Melbourne cup on Vintage Crop and the Eclipse on Opera House.
1993 saw Mick achieve a lifetime's ambition when winning the Epsom Derby on Commander In Chief. He also, that year, won the Melbourne cup on Vintage Crop and the Eclipse on Opera House.
One of Mick's best ever years was 2001 when he won the Epsom and Irish Derbies and the King George on Galileo, the Oaks on Imagine.
One of Mick's best ever years was 2001 when he won the Epsom and Irish Derbies and the King George on Galileo, the Oaks on Imagine.
2002 was no less rewarding with two Irish classic wins - Rock of Gibraltar (2,00 Guineas) & High Chaparral (Derby - being enjoyed. The latter then went on to win successive Breeders' Cups (Turf).
2002 was no less rewarding with two Irish classic wins - Rock of Gibraltar (2,00 Guineas) & High Chaparral (Derby - being enjoyed. The latter then went on to win successive Breeders' Cups (Turf).
Having joined the John Oxx stable in 2004, Mick won that year's St James's Palace Stakes & Irish Champion Stakes on Azamour.
Having joined the John Oxx stable in 2004, Mick won that year's St James's Palace Stakes & Irish Champion Stakes on Azamour.
Other immortal horses who became associated with Mick were Yeats, Mahler and, of course, the legendary Sea The Stars.
Other immortal horses who became associated with Mick were Yeats, Mahler and, of course, the legendary Sea The Stars.
Mick rode from 1979 to 2009 during which time he amassed 2,363 winners.
Mick rode from 1979 to 2009 during which time he amassed 2,363 winners.
These included....
These included....
Breeders Cup:
Breeders Cup:
(2001) Johannesburg - Breeders' Cup Juvenile
(2001) Johannesburg - Breeders' Cup Juvenile
(2003 & 2004) High Chaparral - Breeders' Turf
(2003 & 2004) High Chaparral - Breeders' Turf
King George Vl & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes:
King George Vl & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes:
(1990) Belmez
(1990) Belmez
(1994) King's Theatre
(1994) King's Theatre
(2000) Montjeu
(2000) Montjeu
(2001) Galileo
(2001) Galileo
(2005) Azamour
(2005) Azamour
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe:
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe:
(1989) Carroll House
(1989) Carroll House
(1999) Montjeu
(1999) Montjeu
(2009) Sea the Stars
(2009) Sea the Stars
Melbourne Cup:
Melbourne Cup:
(1993) Vintage Crop
(1993) Vintage Crop
English Two Thousand Guineas:
English Two Thousand Guineas:
(1990) Tirol
(1990) Tirol
(1997) Entrepeneur
(1997) Entrepeneur
(1998) King of Kings
(1998) King of Kings
(2009) Sea the Stars
(2009) Sea the Stars
Epsom Derby:
Epsom Derby:
(1993) Commander in Chief
(1993) Commander in Chief
(2001) Galileo
(2001) Galileo
(2009) Sea the Stars
(2009) Sea the Stars
Epsom Oaks:
Epsom Oaks:
(1998) Shahtoush
(1998) Shahtoush
(2001) Imagine
(2001) Imagine
St Leger:
St Leger:
(2001) Milan
(2001) Milan
Irish Two Thousand Guineas:
Irish Two Thousand Guineas:
(1982) Dara Monarch
(1982) Dara Monarch
(1986) Flash of Steel
(1986) Flash of Steel
(2002) Rock of Gibraltar
(2002) Rock of Gibraltar
Irish One Thousand Guineas:
Irish One Thousand Guineas:
(1988) Trusted Partner
(1988) Trusted Partner
(2003) Yesterday
(2003) Yesterday
(2005) Saoire
(2005) Saoire
Irish Derby:
Irish Derby:
(2001) Galileo
(2001) Galileo
(2002) High Chaparral
(2002) High Chaparral
Irish Oaks:
Irish Oaks:
(1989) Alydaress
(1989) Alydaress
(1996) Dance Design
(1996) Dance Design
Irish St Leger:
Irish St Leger:
(1993) Vintage Crop
(1993) Vintage Crop
(1994) Vintage Crop
(1994) Vintage Crop
(2006) Kastoria
(2006) Kastoria
(2009) Alandi
(2009) Alandi
Italian Derby:
Italian Derby:
(1992) In A Tiff
(1992) In A Tiff
(1995) Luso
(1995) Luso
Italy Premio Parioli:
Italy Premio Parioli:
(1985) Again Tomorrow
(1985) Again Tomorrow
(1988) Gay Burslem
(1988) Gay Burslem
French Two Thousand Guineas:
French Two Thousand Guineas:
(2002) Landseer
(2002) Landseer
French One Thousand Guineas:
French One Thousand Guineas:
(2001) Rose Gypsy
(2001) Rose Gypsy
America Belmont Stakes:
America Belmont Stakes:
(1990) Go and Go
(1990) Go and Go
Cartier Millions:
Cartier Millions:
(1989) The Caretaker
(1989) The Caretaker
(1990) Rinka Das
(1990) Rinka Das
Mick was Champion Jockey in Ireland 13 times and was top Royal Ascot jockey (London Clubs trophy) on four occasions, 1994, 1995, 1996 & 2005.
Mick was Champion Jockey in Ireland 13 times and was top Royal Ascot jockey (London Clubs trophy) on four occasions, 1994, 1995, 1996 & 2005.
On 25 June, 1982, Mick and Catherine were married in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Boherlahan, a village not far from Cashel. It was a double wedding with elder brother Thomas whose bride, Brigid, came from Boherlahan.
On 25 June, 1982, Mick and Catherine were married in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Boherlahan, a village not far from Cashel. It was a double wedding with elder brother Thomas whose bride, Brigid, came from Boherlahan.
there was no honeymoon for Mick who was riding next day in the Irish Derby.
there was no honeymoon for Mick who was riding next day in the Irish Derby.