John Riordan (jockey)
Appearance
John Riordan | |
---|---|
Full name | John Peter Riordan |
Occupation | Jockey |
Born | 1935 or 1936 New Plymouth, New Zealand |
Died | (aged 85) Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
Major racing wins | |
Easter Handicap (1959) Auckland Cup (1960, 1972) W. S. Cox Plate (1963) Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes (1967, 1975) New Zealand Derby (1972) |
John Peter Riordan (1936 – 10 August 2021) was a New Zealand jockey in Thoroughbred horse racing.
Biography
[edit]Born in New Plymouth, Riordan was the son of Dennis and Agnes Riordan.[1][2] He began his five-year jockey apprenticeship with Te Awamutu trainer Jack MacDonald when he was 11 years old, and rode his first winner at the age of 14.[1]
Riordan won the 1963 W. S. Cox Plate aboard Summer Regent.[3] He rode the same horse as favourite in the 1963 Melbourne Cup, but finished third last.[4] Other major races won by Riordan included the Auckland Cup in 1972, and the Wellington Cup.[1]
Riordan lived in Brisbane, Australia, for the last 20 years of his life, and died there on 10 August 2021. He was survived by his wife, Pam.[1][2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Groenestein, Catherine (19 August 2021). "Former top New Zealand jockey John Riordan dies". Taranaki Daily News. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ^ a b "John Riordan death notice". New Zealand Herald. 13 August 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ^ "My Contact given 9lb. Cup penalty". Canberra Times. 28 October 1963. p. 20. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ^ "Many lose chance at start". Canberra Times. 6 November 1963. p. 48. Retrieved 7 September 2021.