Michael Lynn

Michael Lynn

Article by Alan Trout

Michael Andrew Lynn enjoyed one good National Hunt season in 1981/82, riding eight winners as a conditional jockey for leading trainer Toby Balding, taking his overall total to nine, but although he rode for nearly two more years, there were no more victories. 

There may have been a certain symmetry involved, in that it is very likely that Michael was related in some way to Micky Lynn, a talented young rider based with Toby Balding’s father Gerald in the 1950s. Tragically, Micky died following a fall at Sandown Park in April 1955. 

Michael had his first ride at Newton Abbot on October 14, 1980, when Jet On finished fourth in the Fluder Hill Opportunity Selling Handicap Hurdle. He gained his first success at the same course on Easter Monday, April 20, 1981, when the five-year-old Canina led at the second last flight and battled on to beat Dame Sue by a length in the Mile End Maiden Hurdle (Division 2). 

His next success came on October 14, 1981, when Sanhedrin scored at Plumpton. It was also at Plumpton that he registered his only double, but the second leg, Great Oak in the Easter Selling Hurdle (Division 2) proved to be the last of his career. He had his final ride when Brass Change finished sixth of 20 runners in the Gwent Handicap Hurdle at Chepstow on February 18, 1984. 

Michael Lynn’s winners were, in chronological order:

1. Canina, Newton Abbot, April 20, 1981

2. Sanhedrin, Plumpton, October 14, 1981

3. Dropshot, Kempton Park, November 18, 1981

4. Yukon Flash, Plumpton, November 24, 1981

5. Sanhedrin, Kempton Park, February 5, 1982

6. Driving, Hereford, April 3, 1982

7. Lonach, Worcester, April 8, 1982

8. Coral Leisure, Plumpton, April 12, 1982

9. Great Oak, Plumpton, April 12, 1982