Name Thomas Richard Dunwoody, MBE
Age 44
Background Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Richard moved to Newmarket aged 12 where he began his amateur career. Both his father and grandfather rode and trained horses in Ireland and also at Epsom.
Career Profile
Richard turned professional at the start of the 1984-85 season. Racing over 10,000 times, his career highlights include winning the Grand National in 1986 and 1994 as well as the Gold Cup in 1988. His best season saw him ride 197 winners in 1993/94.
To the racing public he is best known for his partnership with Desert Orchid, winning seven races, including the King George VI Chase in 1989 and 1990.
A neck injury forced Richard's premature retirement in 1999, having clocked up almost 1,900 winners worldwide and having surpassed Peter Scudamore's record for all-time jumps wins.
Racing Record
First Win: Cheltenham, 1983
Last Win: Yorkshire Edition at Wincanton, 1999
Total Wins: 1,679
Lester Award for Jump Jockey of the Year in 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995
Interests
Since his retirement in 1999, Richard has focused his determination on various charitable fundraising activities including challenges such as the Race to the Magnetic North Pole, climbing the highest mountain in the Andes and completing numerous marathons. In January 2008 he returned from his latest record breaking expedition to the South Pole with American explorer Doug Stoop covering a hazardous 680 mile route that had previously never been successfully attempted. Alone this trip raised an amazing £80,000 for Sparks, one of his benefiting charities.
When not busy raising money for charity, Richard coaches in the racing industry, is a highly respected motivational speaker and has many links with the world of corporate hospitality. He is also a regular contributor to racing and sporting media.
BG Energy Challenge
Richard will be participating on the Charity Team in the BG Energy Challenge 2008 – UK. The charity team consists of representatives from both CARE International and Sparks, the events nominated charities.
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