Denis Wynne

1816 - 1858

Irishman Denis Wynne had the distinction of riding the first-ever Irish winner of the Grand National.

In 1847, riding Matthew, Denis brought the nine-year-old home a length winner; priced as short as 4/1 just before the off, the gelding was returned the 10/1 joint-favourite with Culverthorpe, which finished 5th.

Back in Ireland where the famine was at its height, the money had poured onto Matthew, and Denny (as he was known to the racing public) became a national hero. (15 years later, his son, Joseph, was killed riding in the race.)

Denis Wynne's Grand National rides: (12)

Switcher (1846) 3rd

Matthew (1847) WON

Matthew (1848) brought down

Alfred (1849) 4th

The Knight of Gwynne (1850) 2nd

Fugleman (1851) pulled up

Abd-El-Kader (1852) pulled up

Currig (1853) last of seven

Crabbs (1854) 3rd

Little Charley (1855) knocked over

Hopeless Star (1857) pulled over

Black Bess (1858) fell

Other wins:

1852: Liverpool Autumn Chase - Carrig

1855: Worcester Grand Annual - Potter

Denis Wynne died at Rossmore Lodge, Ireland on November 27, 1858, aged 42.