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Dan O'Donovan, born on September 4th, 1935, rode his first winner in on December 28,1954 (at Limerick). In fact, he won twice that afternoon. (His winners were Colin Bell in the Mid-Winter Chase & Tenacious in the Thomond Handicap Chase.)
Dan O'Donovan, born on September 4th, 1935, rode his first winner in on December 28,1954 (at Limerick). In fact, he won twice that afternoon. (His winners were Colin Bell in the Mid-Winter Chase & Tenacious in the Thomond Handicap Chase.)
He served his apprenticeship with Clem Magnier (in Ireland) from 1954 to 1959
He served his apprenticeship with Clem Magnier (in Ireland) from 1954 to 1959
Sometime in 1959, he left Ireland to ride in England.
Sometime in 1959, he left Ireland to ride in England.
His first winner in England was Dunnock, trained by J. Good in Ireland, in the Wells Hurdle at Taunton on May 1 1958.
His first winner in England was Dunnock, trained by J. Good in Ireland, in the Wells Hurdle at Taunton on May 1 1958.
Dan was retained by trainer Ian Mitchell Dudgeon, who sent out horses from his Chitterne Stables, Chitterne, Warminster, Wilts. Dan, during his time with Dudgeon, lived at Stable Cottage, Chitterne.
Dan was retained by trainer Ian Mitchell Dudgeon, who sent out horses from his Chitterne Stables, Chitterne, Warminster, Wilts. Dan, during his time with Dudgeon, lived at Stable Cottage, Chitterne.
Dudgeon had taken over the stables in 1970 when the previous occupant J. J. Ford had died. (J. J. Ford was Jim Ford, the trainer of 1955 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Gay Donald.)
Dudgeon had taken over the stables in 1970 when the previous occupant J. J. Ford had died. (J. J. Ford was Jim Ford, the trainer of 1955 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Gay Donald.)
The stable's racing colours which Dan wore were grey & maroon quartered, striped sleeve.
The stable's racing colours which Dan wore were grey & maroon quartered, striped sleeve.
Dan always said that the highlight of his career had been when riding Gay Record for the Queen Mother.
Dan always said that the highlight of his career had been when riding Gay Record for the Queen Mother.
Another highlight was riding Skipper Jack in the 1960 Grand National. He fell at the 20th fence.
Another highlight was riding Skipper Jack in the 1960 Grand National. He fell at the 20th fence.
My thanks to James, Dan's nephew, for informing me that he'd worked with his uncle in Dingwall's, Stuart Pattemore's and Lady Herries'.
My thanks to James, Dan's nephew, for informing me that he'd worked with his uncle in Dingwall's, Stuart Pattemore's and Lady Herries'.
Dan was head man at Lady Herries'. It was his last job - he retired in 2000 and currently (2014) lives in Rosscarberry in West Cork.
Dan was head man at Lady Herries'. It was his last job - he retired in 2000 and currently (2014) lives in Rosscarberry in West Cork.
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