Hardy hero O'Dwyer still climbing hurdles
Next month, April 8 to be precise, one of the great gentlemen of Irish racing will celebrate his 39th birthday.
Most top-class sportsmen of his age would have long swapped the kit-bag for a pipe and slippers. But National Hunt jockeys are a breed apart. “I’d have to work if I retired’, quipped O’Dwyer.
And why would he anyway? He’s at the peak of his powers right now and heads for next week’s Cheltenham Festival with plenty rides and two aces up his sleeve.
“I have no intention of retiring, it is the furthest thing from my mind’, said O’Dwyer. “Not when I have horses like Hardy Eustace and War Of Attrition to ride.” He has just two successes at the Festival on his CV, but they are the ones that really count, the Gold Cup and the Champion Hurdle.
O’Dwyer, always highly regarded, was catapulted to superstar status when guiding Fergie Sutherland’s Imperial Call to victory in the ‘96 Gold Cup.
“I owe so much to Imperial Call. He was the horse who got me going, who put me on the map.” He recalls those wonderful days with Fergie with real fondness. “Before Imperial Call, or since, I never rode for anyone like Fergie, he was unique.” He still stays in touch with the now retired trainer, but, you suspect, not as much as he would like.
“We talk occasionally on the phone,” said O’Dwyer. “Audrey (his wife) and I would call, although we missed last summer. We will make up for it this summer.”
For now, however, O’Dwyer’s thoughts are firmly focussed on further Cheltenham glory. A year ago he piloted Dessie Hughes’ Hardy Eustace to a shock 33-1 victory in the Champion Hurdle.
It was an afternoon of raw emotion. O’Dwyer was in the plate only because Hardy Eustace’s regular partner, Kieran Kelly, had lost his life following a fall at Kilbeggan.
“It was very emotional,” recalls O’Dwyer. “It was hard on everyone, Kieran’s family, Lar (Byrne, owner) and Dessie.
“It was a first Festival without Kieran. This time it will be easier, but of course none of us have forgotten Kieran.” Hardy Eustace went to Prestbury Park 12 ago largely unheralded. Now it will be a lot different and it is more than possible he will actually go off favourite.
O’Dwyer is unperturbed. “He worked nicely at Leopardstown on Sunday, on ground he hated,” said O’Dwyer.
“He is definitely a lot stronger this season and is carrying me a lot better in his races. Maybe, because of my age, he is feeling sorry for me,” laughs Conor.
He is under no illussions about the task facing Hardy Eustace. “On paper this is a far better Champion Hurdle. I doubt I will get a complete freebie in front like I did last year. But my horse will face the hill and is the one to beat.”
Mention his great Arkle hope, War Of Attrition, and you can, literally, take ten years off his life. He positively glows.
He makes no secret he was blown away by a recent bit of work War Of Attrition did at Mouse’s. Spectacular would not be over-playing it.
“Yes, he worked brilliantly,” confirmed O’Dwyer. “Mouse couldn’t believe it. I think he is an absolutely serious, serious horse, I cannot tell you how highly I think of him.
“He is just like Imperial Call. You can ride him anyway you like, the trip, the ground, nothing matters. He is the type of horse that you can’t come back in after a race with an excuse.”
He will also be aboard Eye On The Ball, runner-up to Merdeka at Leopardstown and who was recently puchased from Timmy Hyde by Morris, in the Weatherbys’ Champion Bumper.
“I’ve ridden him twice,” said O’Dwyer. “He has an engine, but is green and backward. He will be a smashing horse for novice hurdling next season.”
Keepatem, who landed a major gamble in the 30-runner Paddy Power ‘Chase at Leopardstown at Christmas, is another for the sprightly veteran.
He has a choice between handicaps and the Royal and SunAlliance Novices ’Chase. “I hope he goes for the SunAlliance,” said O’Dwyer. “He has age and experience on his side and I don’t think it’s a particularly good race.”
O’Dwyer, God willing, intends to thrill us for many more years to come. He’s too old to work! Watch a master in action next week. “The buzz and anticipation will hit me on Monday and Tuesday,” he admitted. “But I won’t be worrying about anything, those days are gone.”
