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John Riordan (jockey)

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John Riordan
Full nameJohn Peter Riordan
OccupationJockey
Born1935 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

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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

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  1. ^ a b c d Groenestein, Catherine (19 August 2021). "Former top New Zealand jockey John Riordan dies". Taranaki Daily News. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  2. ^ a b "John Riordan death notice". New Zealand Herald. 13 August 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  3. ^ "My Contact given 9lb. Cup penalty". Canberra Times. 28 October 1963. p. 20. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  4. ^ "Many lose chance at start". Canberra Times. 6 November 1963. p. 48. Retrieved 7 September 2021.