John Harty

John Harty was born into a family with strong ties to equestrian sport. His father, Captain Cyril Hardy, was a captain in the Irish Army at the formation of the Free State, a founding member of the Irish show jumping team, a brilliant amateur jockey and, later, the trainer of Knight’s Crest winner of the 1944 Irish Grand National. Four of John’s uncles, his grandfather, and great-grandfather were professional jockeys.

John followed on the family tradition and, like his older brother Eddie, competed in the Olympic eventing competition before concentrating on a career as a National Hunt jockey having first tasted success in 1963. Although he never emulated his brother by winning the Aintree Grand National, he did win the Irish equivalent at Fairyhouse at the age of 39 on Daletta in1980. His best finish in the Aintree race was fifth on Senator Maclacurry in 1981, in what was his first ride in the race for 13 years. John, along with his brothers Eddie and Cyril “Buster”, all rode in the famous Aintree race.

Harty took up training in 1983, but he would eventually be struck with motor neuron disease (ALS) which tragically killed him at the age of 49 in 1990. Before his equestrian career, Harty qualified as a barrister although he never practiced. He was also a good rugby player with Belvedere RUFC in his younger days.