Charlie Swan
Charles Francis Thomas Swan was born in Modreeny, Tipperary, on January 20, 1968, and a quick look at his pedigree would have forecast his career as a jockey
Charles Francis Thomas Swan was born in Modreeny, Tipperary, on January 20, 1968, and a quick look at his pedigree would have forecast his career as a jockey
His mother, Theresa, was the grand-daughter of George Chaloner who had won the 1892 Middle Park Stakes on the brilliant Isinglass.
His mother, Theresa, was the grand-daughter of George Chaloner who had won the 1892 Middle Park Stakes on the brilliant Isinglass.
George's own father, Tom Chaloner, had ridden ten classic winners.
George's own father, Tom Chaloner, had ridden ten classic winners.
Charlie's father, Donald, had ridden Zimulator in the 1975 Grand National and seven-year-old Charlie, horrified, had watched his father getting buried beneath a chaos of falling horses.
Charlie's father, Donald, had ridden Zimulator in the 1975 Grand National and seven-year-old Charlie, horrified, had watched his father getting buried beneath a chaos of falling horses.
Aged four, Charlie began his education at the national school in Cloughjordan, and it was here that he developed a terrible stutter. It was also at this age that he started riding: his sister's pony was his first-ever mount.
Aged four, Charlie began his education at the national school in Cloughjordan, and it was here that he developed a terrible stutter. It was also at this age that he started riding: his sister's pony was his first-ever mount.
Then his father bought him his own pony – Lightning, who became a brilliant showjumper. Charlie won several competitions on him before, aged ten, winning a big hunter trial in Abbetleix.
Then his father bought him his own pony – Lightning, who became a brilliant showjumper. Charlie won several competitions on him before, aged ten, winning a big hunter trial in Abbetleix.
Two years' later, Charlie won on the pony St Chad at a course in County Galway near Ballinasloe.
Two years' later, Charlie won on the pony St Chad at a course in County Galway near Ballinasloe.
The following year he won another seven races on her.
The following year he won another seven races on her.
From Cloughjordan, Charlie went on to Headfort, a boarding school run by headmaster Jack Sweetman, a strict disciplinarian. Charlie was ‘all right’ at maths and history, but poor on English and spelling.
From Cloughjordan, Charlie went on to Headfort, a boarding school run by headmaster Jack Sweetman, a strict disciplinarian. Charlie was ‘all right’ at maths and history, but poor on English and spelling.
But he excelled at sport, being awarded his colours for cricket, hockey, squash and rugby.
But he excelled at sport, being awarded his colours for cricket, hockey, squash and rugby.
This did not prevent Sweetman having a private word with his parents; he informed them that Charlie had no chance on getting through the exam which would take him on to St Columba’s College, an Irish public school in Dublin.
This did not prevent Sweetman having a private word with his parents; he informed them that Charlie had no chance on getting through the exam which would take him on to St Columba’s College, an Irish public school in Dublin.
The more realistic Wilson’s Hospital – a large Protestant boarding school at Multyfarnham – was chosen instead where, fortuitously, the small racing stable Jimmy Tormey lay nearby.
The more realistic Wilson’s Hospital – a large Protestant boarding school at Multyfarnham – was chosen instead where, fortuitously, the small racing stable Jimmy Tormey lay nearby.
Then aged 13, Charlie was soon riding out for him each Saturday morning.
Then aged 13, Charlie was soon riding out for him each Saturday morning.
He also began riding out youngsters that were being broken for his father.
He also began riding out youngsters that were being broken for his father.
At Naas on March 19, 1983, Donald Swan put his son up on the unraced two-year-old Final Assault.
At Naas on March 19, 1983, Donald Swan put his son up on the unraced two-year-old Final Assault.
Badly drawn, Charlie – understandably nervous – didn’t think he could win on his début. His riding instructions were to push for the first half furlong then to sit still until the two furlong marker. Here he was to start kicking.
Badly drawn, Charlie – understandably nervous – didn’t think he could win on his début. His riding instructions were to push for the first half furlong then to sit still until the two furlong marker. Here he was to start kicking.
The bookmakers knew nothing of the pony racing exploits of the fair-haired youngster, and, much to Donald’s delight, freely offered 20-1, a price they were obliged to half as the trainer and his friends helped themselves.
The bookmakers knew nothing of the pony racing exploits of the fair-haired youngster, and, much to Donald’s delight, freely offered 20-1, a price they were obliged to half as the trainer and his friends helped themselves.
Charlie obeyed instructions to the letter and came home six lengths clear.
Charlie obeyed instructions to the letter and came home six lengths clear.
In their next race together, which was started by flag, Final Assault – then 4-1 favourite – whipped round and was hopelessly left.
In their next race together, which was started by flag, Final Assault – then 4-1 favourite – whipped round and was hopelessly left.
They were also beaten in their third race together in which Charlie, drawn next to his idol Lester Piggott (who won the race) finished down the field at the Curragh. In a later race that day, Charlie won on his father’s Sesetta. Ten days later, the combination won again, this time at Limerick, giving Charlie three wins out of six rides.
They were also beaten in their third race together in which Charlie, drawn next to his idol Lester Piggott (who won the race) finished down the field at the Curragh. In a later race that day, Charlie won on his father’s Sesetta. Ten days later, the combination won again, this time at Limerick, giving Charlie three wins out of six rides.
Now other trainers – Victor Bownes, Clem Maguire, John Kiely & Andrew McNamarra – began using him and school, suddenly, became an inconvenience.
Now other trainers – Victor Bownes, Clem Maguire, John Kiely & Andrew McNamarra – began using him and school, suddenly, became an inconvenience.
Wanting to pursue his chosen career full time, Charlie had a heart to heart with his father, who saw the sense of his son’s pleadings, and arranged for him to start work at Kevin Prendergast’s.
Wanting to pursue his chosen career full time, Charlie had a heart to heart with his father, who saw the sense of his son’s pleadings, and arranged for him to start work at Kevin Prendergast’s.
Fifteen-year-old Charlie found the work tough: head lad Tom Fitzgerald done him no favours. Often shouting and picking on the stable-lads, he was nonetheless held in high regard by Kevin Prendergast.
Fifteen-year-old Charlie found the work tough: head lad Tom Fitzgerald done him no favours. Often shouting and picking on the stable-lads, he was nonetheless held in high regard by Kevin Prendergast.
(Tragedy struck Fitzgerald in early 1990 when, together with stable jockey David Parnell, he found his wife dead on the floor. Inconsolable, he committed suicide with weed killer. Shockingly, David Parnell died just three weeks later in a car crash.)
(Tragedy struck Fitzgerald in early 1990 when, together with stable jockey David Parnell, he found his wife dead on the floor. Inconsolable, he committed suicide with weed killer. Shockingly, David Parnell died just three weeks later in a car crash.)
Charlie had his first ride for Kevin six weeks into the 1984 season, much to the chagrin of fellow apprentice Kieren Fallon, who resented the newcomer. Fallon feared that Charlie was going to take his rides: Charlie made it clear to him that he wanted to get his own rides. Charlie and Kieren finished up as good mates, eventually sharing a flat over a butcher’s shop in Kildare.
Charlie had his first ride for Kevin six weeks into the 1984 season, much to the chagrin of fellow apprentice Kieren Fallon, who resented the newcomer. Fallon feared that Charlie was going to take his rides: Charlie made it clear to him that he wanted to get his own rides. Charlie and Kieren finished up as good mates, eventually sharing a flat over a butcher’s shop in Kildare.
A pivotal moment in Charlie’s career came on 4 June, 1984.
A pivotal moment in Charlie’s career came on 4 June, 1984.
The phone rang that morning, and he found himself talking to top trainer Paddy Mullins who wanted to know if he was free to ride Ash Creek at Tramore that afternoon.
The phone rang that morning, and he found himself talking to top trainer Paddy Mullins who wanted to know if he was free to ride Ash Creek at Tramore that afternoon.
Charlie told him he was.
Charlie told him he was.
The pair won by five lengths.
The pair won by five lengths.
Later that season, when Ash Creek ran in the Hennessy Handicap at Leopardstown – once again, Charlie was in the saddle.
Later that season, when Ash Creek ran in the Hennessy Handicap at Leopardstown – once again, Charlie was in the saddle.
In a rough race, Ash Creek got murdered, being pushed into Nonno by Declan Gillespie. Charlie was lucky not to be brought down, managing to finish second to Declan’s mount.
In a rough race, Ash Creek got murdered, being pushed into Nonno by Declan Gillespie. Charlie was lucky not to be brought down, managing to finish second to Declan’s mount.
The stewards immediately ordered an enquiry, eventually awarding the race to Charlie, giving him his first Listed winner.
The stewards immediately ordered an enquiry, eventually awarding the race to Charlie, giving him his first Listed winner.
He kept the ride on Ash Creek when he next ran in the McDonogh Handicap at Galway. Again, he won, and Charlie was on his way to the big time.
He kept the ride on Ash Creek when he next ran in the McDonogh Handicap at Galway. Again, he won, and Charlie was on his way to the big time.
He finished the season with 14 winners from some 170 rides.
He finished the season with 14 winners from some 170 rides.
However, the following season, he rode two winners less than the previous year and – in spite of once beating Lester in a driving finish – there was nothing to suggest that he was going to be anything other than a run of the mill Flat race jockey.
However, the following season, he rode two winners less than the previous year and – in spite of once beating Lester in a driving finish – there was nothing to suggest that he was going to be anything other than a run of the mill Flat race jockey.
With his weight beginning to creep up, Charlie felt that he may be forced out of Flat racing within a year or two and gladly took the ride on his father’s Barna Beauty when it was entered in a handicap hurdle at Clonmel. They won by a length and a half. They repeated this performance with a win at Gowran Park on 13 February.
With his weight beginning to creep up, Charlie felt that he may be forced out of Flat racing within a year or two and gladly took the ride on his father’s Barna Beauty when it was entered in a handicap hurdle at Clonmel. They won by a length and a half. They repeated this performance with a win at Gowran Park on 13 February.
Charlie’s first ride over fences came on St Patrick’s Day on Michael Hourigan’s novice chaser Rotomar Melody; he finished seventh of ten.
Charlie’s first ride over fences came on St Patrick’s Day on Michael Hourigan’s novice chaser Rotomar Melody; he finished seventh of ten.
Aged 18, he was still riding on the Flat and landed his first Group winner on The Bean Sidhe in the 1986 North Ridge Farm 1,000 Guineas Trial at Phoenix Park. That August, he made his first appearance on an English racecourse when finishing down the field on that horse in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury.
Aged 18, he was still riding on the Flat and landed his first Group winner on The Bean Sidhe in the 1986 North Ridge Farm 1,000 Guineas Trial at Phoenix Park. That August, he made his first appearance on an English racecourse when finishing down the field on that horse in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury.
He rode his fiftieth Flat race winner at Punchestown some seven weeks later (and, a half hour later, won a hurdle race) and, that season, came second in the apprentices’ table.
He rode his fiftieth Flat race winner at Punchestown some seven weeks later (and, a half hour later, won a hurdle race) and, that season, came second in the apprentices’ table.
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Ever rational, Charlie realised that increasing weight was forcing his hand. At a meeting with Kevin, it was decided that he should concentrate on jump racing, and, at Christmas, 1986 - in an arrangement set up by Kevin - Charlie walked into Dessie Hughes’s yard (Osborne Lodge) for the first time.
Ever rational, Charlie realised that increasing weight was forcing his hand. At a meeting with Kevin, it was decided that he should concentrate on jump racing, and, at Christmas, 1986 - in an arrangement set up by Kevin - Charlie walked into Dessie Hughes’s yard (Osborne Lodge) for the first time.
Hughes, then aged 43, had some seventy horses in his care, two thirds of them jumpers.
Hughes, then aged 43, had some seventy horses in his care, two thirds of them jumpers.
Crucially, Hughes was having trouble with his stable jockey, 23-year-old Tom Morgan.
Crucially, Hughes was having trouble with his stable jockey, 23-year-old Tom Morgan.
Morgan had been with Hughes some six years: in that time he had won the Supreme Novices hurdle on Millers Hill (on his first ride at the Cheltenham Festival) and the 1988 Queen Mother Chase. In 1989, riding Yahoo, he had very nearly beaten Desert Orchid in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Morgan had been with Hughes some six years: in that time he had won the Supreme Novices hurdle on Millers Hill (on his first ride at the Cheltenham Festival) and the 1988 Queen Mother Chase. In 1989, riding Yahoo, he had very nearly beaten Desert Orchid in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Now Morgan was struggling with his weight, which brought on depression. This, in turn, led to a lapse of punctuality. It was too much for Hughes who promptly installed Charlie in his place.
Now Morgan was struggling with his weight, which brought on depression. This, in turn, led to a lapse of punctuality. It was too much for Hughes who promptly installed Charlie in his place.
Bearing in mind that the ex-Kevin Prendergast apprentice had yet to ride a winner over fences, it was a bold move.
Bearing in mind that the ex-Kevin Prendergast apprentice had yet to ride a winner over fences, it was a bold move.
It took Charlie two months to ride a winner for his new boss, Arabian Sands at Tipperary.
It took Charlie two months to ride a winner for his new boss, Arabian Sands at Tipperary.
Onto the Cheltenham Festival and, having only his second ride in England, Charlie was brought down in the Daily Express Triumph Hurdle by Nos No Gaoithe on Irish Dream, breaking a bone below his elbow. On the way back to the weighing room, the ambulance which Charlie had been put in crashed violently into a car, projecting the unfortunate jockey across the vehicle.
Onto the Cheltenham Festival and, having only his second ride in England, Charlie was brought down in the Daily Express Triumph Hurdle by Nos No Gaoithe on Irish Dream, breaking a bone below his elbow. On the way back to the weighing room, the ambulance which Charlie had been put in crashed violently into a car, projecting the unfortunate jockey across the vehicle.
He took another bad fall on May 1, 1988 when his mount Saracen was knocked over at Gowran Park, bringing down Peter Kavanagh on Lornaaron. Charlie’s right arm was broken: Kavanagh’s jaw was smashed.
He took another bad fall on May 1, 1988 when his mount Saracen was knocked over at Gowran Park, bringing down Peter Kavanagh on Lornaaron. Charlie’s right arm was broken: Kavanagh’s jaw was smashed.
It was to be ten weeks before Charlie rode another winner.
It was to be ten weeks before Charlie rode another winner.
On April 7, 1989, Charlie scored a significant victory on Boreen Belle in the White Sating Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree (on the eve of the National). This riding performance did not escape the attention of trainer Nicky Henderson, who tried to persuade Charlie to join his stable.
On April 7, 1989, Charlie scored a significant victory on Boreen Belle in the White Sating Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree (on the eve of the National). This riding performance did not escape the attention of trainer Nicky Henderson, who tried to persuade Charlie to join his stable.
Instead, following a chance meeting at the Fairyhouse Derby Sale, Charlie agreed to become stable jockey to Co Tipperary trainer Mouse Morris on the understanding that he would continue to ride for the Osborne Lodge stable when not required by Morris.
Instead, following a chance meeting at the Fairyhouse Derby Sale, Charlie agreed to become stable jockey to Co Tipperary trainer Mouse Morris on the understanding that he would continue to ride for the Osborne Lodge stable when not required by Morris.
On 7 November, 1989, aged 21, Charlie married Tina Daly I St Brigid’s Church, Kildare, despite fierce opposition from his father who thought him too young to make such a commitment. There was no honeymoon. The couple moved into a semi-detached house in Beechgrove in Kildare Town.
On 7 November, 1989, aged 21, Charlie married Tina Daly I St Brigid’s Church, Kildare, despite fierce opposition from his father who thought him too young to make such a commitment. There was no honeymoon. The couple moved into a semi-detached house in Beechgrove in Kildare Town.
Charlie rode his first Cheltenham Festival winner on March 13, 1990, when taking the Waterford Crystal Stayers’ Hurdle on Trapper John.
Charlie rode his first Cheltenham Festival winner on March 13, 1990, when taking the Waterford Crystal Stayers’ Hurdle on Trapper John.
Charlie had 52 seasonal winners on the board when he arrived to ride at the 1990 Cheltenham Festival. A year earlier, a huge Irish contingent had returned home from the course without a single winner; Charlie, knew he had a real chance this year of sending them home happier.
Charlie had 52 seasonal winners on the board when he arrived to ride at the 1990 Cheltenham Festival. A year earlier, a huge Irish contingent had returned home from the course without a single winner; Charlie, knew he had a real chance this year of sending them home happier.
Trapper John was not the best of jumpers: Morris’ instructions were that Charlie should keep the horse towards the outside of the field. Charlie was acutely aware that such a tactic would bring him, the jockey, widespread criticism for going so wide should the plan fail, but - icily loyal - rode to orders.
Trapper John was not the best of jumpers: Morris’ instructions were that Charlie should keep the horse towards the outside of the field. Charlie was acutely aware that such a tactic would bring him, the jockey, widespread criticism for going so wide should the plan fail, but - icily loyal - rode to orders.
Richard Dunwoody, on Bluff Cove, went on at the third last, but Charlie caught and passed him after jumping the last. Trapper John, tough and genuine, galloped all the way to the line.
Richard Dunwoody, on Bluff Cove, went on at the third last, but Charlie caught and passed him after jumping the last. Trapper John, tough and genuine, galloped all the way to the line.
The aftermath, unseen and naturally disappointing, was that Trapper John pulled up lame, denying Charlie his first chance of riding back into the Cheltenham winner’s enclosure: he was also later summoned to the stewards’ room where he was informed that he was being suspended for two days for excessive use of the whip.
The aftermath, unseen and naturally disappointing, was that Trapper John pulled up lame, denying Charlie his first chance of riding back into the Cheltenham winner’s enclosure: he was also later summoned to the stewards’ room where he was informed that he was being suspended for two days for excessive use of the whip.
Three weeks later Trapper John was sent to Aintree but, with top weight, was beaten into second.
Three weeks later Trapper John was sent to Aintree but, with top weight, was beaten into second.
Two days later, Charlie had his first ride in the Grand National. His mount, Lastofthebrownies, hated the fast ground, and was never a factor.
Two days later, Charlie had his first ride in the Grand National. His mount, Lastofthebrownies, hated the fast ground, and was never a factor.
At the end of that season he was crowned Irish champion jockey with 73 winners. This was the highest total achieved by a jump jockey in Ireland since the legendary Martin Molony had become champion for the fifth time with ninety-two winners forty years earlier.
At the end of that season he was crowned Irish champion jockey with 73 winners. This was the highest total achieved by a jump jockey in Ireland since the legendary Martin Molony had become champion for the fifth time with ninety-two winners forty years earlier.
His luck changed dramatically that August when, with only five winners under his belt in the new season, his mount Chamois Boy fell at the fourth hurdle during the Galway festival. His right arm was badly broken and he spent many months side-lined.
His luck changed dramatically that August when, with only five winners under his belt in the new season, his mount Chamois Boy fell at the fourth hurdle during the Galway festival. His right arm was badly broken and he spent many months side-lined.
Once recovered, Charlie began riding better class horses.
Once recovered, Charlie began riding better class horses.
Carhervillahow was owned by the elderly Mrs Miles Valentine (born 1904) and named after her house in Co Tipperary: Charlie rode it on 18 occasions, winning on five, but it was two of those defeats – both coming in April 1991 – which evoked most memories.
Carhervillahow was owned by the elderly Mrs Miles Valentine (born 1904) and named after her house in Co Tipperary: Charlie rode it on 18 occasions, winning on five, but it was two of those defeats – both coming in April 1991 – which evoked most memories.
In the Jameson Irish Grand National, Omerta – ridden by the indefatigable 19-year-old Adrian Maguire – was the only one in front of Carhervillahow at the second last. Then Charlie’s mount started to hang to the right and Charlie switched him to the inside of Omerta. A grim battle on the run-in ensued with Omerta clinging on tenaciously for a short head victory. Charlie would have won had not Carhervillahow not hung so badly.
In the Jameson Irish Grand National, Omerta – ridden by the indefatigable 19-year-old Adrian Maguire – was the only one in front of Carhervillahow at the second last. Then Charlie’s mount started to hang to the right and Charlie switched him to the inside of Omerta. A grim battle on the run-in ensued with Omerta clinging on tenaciously for a short head victory. Charlie would have won had not Carhervillahow not hung so badly.
On the 27th April, Mouse Morris sent him to Sandown for the 35th running of the Whitbread Gold Cup. At the last, Charlie was fractionally in front of Docklands Express, ridden by Anthony Tory. Once again Carhervillahow started hanging to the right, slightly interfering with Tory’s mount. Charlie held on to win by three-quarters of a length.
On the 27th April, Mouse Morris sent him to Sandown for the 35th running of the Whitbread Gold Cup. At the last, Charlie was fractionally in front of Docklands Express, ridden by Anthony Tory. Once again Carhervillahow started hanging to the right, slightly interfering with Tory’s mount. Charlie held on to win by three-quarters of a length.
Then came the announcement of a stewards’ enquiry. Unconcerned, Charlie attended but was sickened by the attitude of the stewards who he felt were gunning for him. He got the impression that they had already made their minds up.
Then came the announcement of a stewards’ enquiry. Unconcerned, Charlie attended but was sickened by the attitude of the stewards who he felt were gunning for him. He got the impression that they had already made their minds up.
Charlie lost the race and was demoted to second.
Charlie lost the race and was demoted to second.
Morris, having seen no interference, was also stunned.
Morris, having seen no interference, was also stunned.
Charlie and he took their case to Portman Square to appeal to the stewards of the Jockey Club but were met once again with an icy response. ‘They just didn’t want to know,’ said Morris later. ‘We were just as hard done by as we were on the day of the race.’
Charlie and he took their case to Portman Square to appeal to the stewards of the Jockey Club but were met once again with an icy response. ‘They just didn’t want to know,’ said Morris later. ‘We were just as hard done by as we were on the day of the race.’
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On St George’s Day, 1994 – still smarting from that disqualification – Charlie laid his Whitbread ghost to rest when storming home on 25-1 outsider Ushers Island.
On St George’s Day, 1994 – still smarting from that disqualification – Charlie laid his Whitbread ghost to rest when storming home on 25-1 outsider Ushers Island.
He said after: ‘Not for one moment did I think I had the slightest chance of winning. As we neared the third from home, those in front started to slow. At the same time, Ushers Island was showing signs of really staying on. I was astonished. Docklands Express and Fighting Words jumped the last almost level but I switched my mount to the inner and he was soon in front. And this time I knew the stewards couldn’t take it away from me.’
He said after: ‘Not for one moment did I think I had the slightest chance of winning. As we neared the third from home, those in front started to slow. At the same time, Ushers Island was showing signs of really staying on. I was astonished. Docklands Express and Fighting Words jumped the last almost level but I switched my mount to the inner and he was soon in front. And this time I knew the stewards couldn’t take it away from me.’
He was, in fact, incredibly lucky to still be riding at all.
He was, in fact, incredibly lucky to still be riding at all.
Charlie had taken an innocuous-looking fall from 100-1 no-hoper Ebony Jane in the Gold Cup. He was able then to take his three remaining rides that day but, for the next month, only painkillers kept him riding. On a day when there was no racing, he drove himself to Nenagh County Hospital. The x-rays showed that he had broken a vertebra, which was now nearly healed.
Charlie had taken an innocuous-looking fall from 100-1 no-hoper Ebony Jane in the Gold Cup. He was able then to take his three remaining rides that day but, for the next month, only painkillers kept him riding. On a day when there was no racing, he drove himself to Nenagh County Hospital. The x-rays showed that he had broken a vertebra, which was now nearly healed.
But the doctor explained to him how incredibly lucky he was.
But the doctor explained to him how incredibly lucky he was.
‘If you had had another fall in the same place, the piece of broken bone could have spiked the spinal cord and you would have been paralysed for life and in a wheelchair.’
‘If you had had another fall in the same place, the piece of broken bone could have spiked the spinal cord and you would have been paralysed for life and in a wheelchair.’
Apart from his wife, Tina, he kept this to himself, thus preventing it from going on his medical record.
Apart from his wife, Tina, he kept this to himself, thus preventing it from going on his medical record.
In 1996, he won the Whitbread again, this time on Life of a Lord trained by Aidan O’Brien for whom Charlie was then riding as stable jockey.
In 1996, he won the Whitbread again, this time on Life of a Lord trained by Aidan O’Brien for whom Charlie was then riding as stable jockey.
Aidan had began his working life sweeping floors in the Waterford Co-op. He was promoted to fork lift driver but, after eight months, he quit, anxious to get into training horses. A friend fixed him up with a job with P. J. Finn on the Curragh. From there he went to Jim Bolger’s yard in Coolcullen as a stable lad. Then, in 1993, Aidan took out a trainer’s licence. Within 17 months he was ensconced at Ballydoyle, taking over from the retiring Vincent O’Brien in October, 1994.
Aidan had began his working life sweeping floors in the Waterford Co-op. He was promoted to fork lift driver but, after eight months, he quit, anxious to get into training horses. A friend fixed him up with a job with P. J. Finn on the Curragh. From there he went to Jim Bolger’s yard in Coolcullen as a stable lad. Then, in 1993, Aidan took out a trainer’s licence. Within 17 months he was ensconced at Ballydoyle, taking over from the retiring Vincent O’Brien in October, 1994.
A meteoric rise indeed.
A meteoric rise indeed.
His early winners – all ridden by Charlie – included Glenstal Flagship (Champion Four-Year-Old Hurdle), Life of a Lord (Kerry National, Whitbread Gold Cup & Galway Plate), Hotel Minella (Champion Novice Hurdle), Urubande (Sun Alliance & Martell Hurdle), Istabraq (Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, Champion Novice Hurdle & Sun Alliance) and Royal Mountbrowne (Punchestown Chase).
His early winners – all ridden by Charlie – included Glenstal Flagship (Champion Four-Year-Old Hurdle), Life of a Lord (Kerry National, Whitbread Gold Cup & Galway Plate), Hotel Minella (Champion Novice Hurdle), Urubande (Sun Alliance & Martell Hurdle), Istabraq (Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, Champion Novice Hurdle & Sun Alliance) and Royal Mountbrowne (Punchestown Chase).
Charlie went on to win three Champion Hurdles On Istabraq (1998, 1999 & 2000).
Charlie went on to win three Champion Hurdles On Istabraq (1998, 1999 & 2000).
His last winner was Patriot Games at Aintree in 2003.
His last winner was Patriot Games at Aintree in 2003.
He final winning total was 1,312 (under both codes).
He final winning total was 1,312 (under both codes).
On quitting the saddle, he became a trainer, sending out runners from his yard at Modreeny, near Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary.
On quitting the saddle, he became a trainer, sending out runners from his yard at Modreeny, near Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary.
Charlie’s 17 Cheltenham Festival winners were:
Charlie’s 17 Cheltenham Festival winners were:
1990 Stayers Hurdle Trapper John
1990 Stayers Hurdle Trapper John
1993 Supreme Novices' Hurdle Montelado
1993 Supreme Novices' Hurdle Montelado
1993 Stakis Final Fissure Seal
1993 Stakis Final Fissure Seal
1993 Triumph Hurdle Shawiya
1993 Triumph Hurdle Shawiya
1993 Stayers Hurdle Shuil Ar Aghaidh
1993 Stayers Hurdle Shuil Ar Aghaidh
1994 Coral Cup Time For A Run
1994 Coral Cup Time For A Run
1994 Champion Bumper Mucklemeg
1994 Champion Bumper Mucklemeg
1995 Queen Mother Champion Chase Viking Flagship
1995 Queen Mother Champion Chase Viking Flagship
1996 Royal & Sun Alliance Hurdle Urubande
1996 Royal & Sun Alliance Hurdle Urubande
1997 Royal & Sun Alliance Hurdle Istabraq
1997 Royal & Sun Alliance Hurdle Istabraq
1998 Champion Hurdle Istabraq
1998 Champion Hurdle Istabraq
1999 Champion Hurdle Istabraq
1999 Champion Hurdle Istabraq
2000 Champion Hurdle Istabraq
2000 Champion Hurdle Istabraq
2000 Champion Bumper Joe Cullen
2000 Champion Bumper Joe Cullen
2002 Supreme Novices Hurdle Like-A-Butterfly
2002 Supreme Novices Hurdle Like-A-Butterfly
2002 Triumph Hurdle Scolardy
2002 Triumph Hurdle Scolardy