NINE-TIME Irish champion flat jockey between 1963 and 1974, Johnny Roe began life as the sickly son of a monument sculptor from the Dublin foothills. His initial interest in racing was inspired by the standard of living it appeared to offer those associated with Seamus McGrath’s stable in nearby Glencairn. Taken on trial and taught the rudiments of riding through trial and error, Johnny opened his account on Chosen Star at Naas in May 1954, having spent the first part of his riding career in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).

The natural lightweight’s style in the saddle had its detractors then and subsequently, though all were unanimous in saying that ‘horses ran for Johnny’.

Able to go to scale at 7st 2lb when riding his first major winner on Appreciation in the 1959 Irish Cambridgeshire, Johnny opened his classic account on Royal Danseuse in the 1963 Irish 1000 Guineas. Champion for two consecutive seasons, Johnny accepted a retainer from Newmarket trainer Bernard van Cutsem, though not without repaying his debt of gratitude to Seamus McGrath by arranging that champion apprentice Georgie McGrath (no relation) to replace him as first jockey in Glencairn.

Johnny’s solitary season in Britain yielded 44 winners, placing him 15th in the jockeys’ table. An identical score enabled Georgie McGrath to head the Irish list.

Returning to ride for John Oxx, Johnny doubled his classic tally on Pampalina in the 1967 Irish Oaks, in addition to gaining his fourth Irish flat title with 81 winners. He attributed much of his success to incessant immersion in the form book, an antidote to his chronic insomnia. John Oxx readily concurred, instancing an occasion on which he had instructed Johnny to hop up on Bonne, a most distinctive stable stalwart. Johnny had no idea which animal was meant.

His relentless pursuit of Martin Quirke’s longstanding record was eventually rewarded in 1972 when his tally of 87 made the record his own. By then he had landed the plum job in flat racing, as stable jockey (in Ireland) to Vincent O’Brien, riding such headliners as Abergwaun, Arkadina, Boucher, Home Guard and Thatch.

NOCTURNAL SPREE

Alliance with Dermot Weld led to Royal Ascot victories on Highest Trump and Red Alert, also successful in the Stewards’ Cup. However, it was trainer Stuart Murless who provided Johnny with that nail-biting, last-stride 1000 Guineas triumph on Nocturnal Spree in 1975.

Winter wanderlust – not least for health reasons – saw Johnny Roe amass winners in 20 countries, from Hong Kong to his swansong in Pimlico, aged 50. By his own admission he dissipated his career savings with a short-lived training career in Co Dublin, prompting his move to Macau, assisted by John Corr. There we soldiered together, albeit in contrasting roles. In yet another career change Johnny established a successful trade sourcing and supplying horses for the Far Eastern market.

Philosophical about life’s ups and downs and an engaging raconteur, Johnny Roe overcame chronic health problems to which he eventually succumbed on Sunday last, aged 79.

Our sympathies go out to his wife Helen, sons Michael and Brian and his extended family. May he rest in peace.

GW