Tyrone jockey will ‘be missed tremendously but never forgotten’

More tributes have been paid to a retired Tyrone jockey who died suddenly in the US this week.

Roddy MacKenzie, who was 45 years-old, died in Delaware on Wednesday. There are no further details about the cause of his death.

His parents, Bill and Elizabeth, live at the Old Rectory in Dunamanagh.

Mr MacKenzie is also being mourned by his sisters Alison, Rhona, Patricia, brother Allan, brother-in-laws Tom and Patrick, sister-in-law Rosie and nieces and nephews Arthur, Poppy, Patrick, Eoin and James.

A death notice says funeral arrangements for Mr MacKenzie will be announced later.

In a statement on its website, the National Steeplechase Association (NSA), the governing body of jump racing in the US, said the Irish jockey would be ‘missed tremendously’.

“The life of a jockey isn’t easy, and Roddy had his share of mishaps, the worst coming in 2019 when he was an exercise rider at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, when he suffered extensive injuries when a loose horse crashed into him,” the statement said.

“Not one to sit on his laurels, Roddy got right back in the tack where he felt most at home. In the ensuing years, the lifelong horseman has been breaking babies, galloping, and providing equine salt therapy services since his retirement from race riding.

“Roddy was admired by those who knew him, for his incredible work ethic and love of horses. He never cut a corner and always gave his all, even if it meant starting before daylight and getting home well after dark.

“He was a genuine sort who made friends across the globe, with endless stories that began with ‘remember that one time’ and ended with a laugh!

“Roddy will be missed tremendously by friends and family on both sides of the pond, but never forgotten.”

The NSA outlined the local man’s horse racing career.

“Dreaming of someday becoming a jockey, Roddy got his start in Ireland’s pony racing circuit, which gave him a great experience to continue his racing career in England and Ireland.

“After honing his skills in the yards of trainers Francis Flood in Ireland and Ian Williams in England, Roddy moved his tack to America where he made his NSA debut at Tryon aboard UK Limey for trainer Paul Rowland and registered his first victory in September 2008 with owner-trainer Randy Rouse’s One Sea.

“He guided a host of winners for a variety of conditioners including Bruce Miller, Kathy Neilson, Julie Gomena, Mairead Carr, Earnie Oare, Richard Valentine, Janet Elliot, Cyril Murphy, Todd Wyatt, Bill Wofford, Regina Welsh, and Michael Leaf.

“His two biggest scores came with Wally Pinkard’s Won Wild Bird, trained by Regina Welsh, in the 2012 Pennsylvania Hunt Cup, and the 2013 David L. “Zeke” Ferguson stakes (G3) at Colonial Downs with Meritage Racing’s Inti, conditioned by Cyril Murphy.

“The latter came at 24-1 over such standout competitors as Mr. Hot Stuff and Cat Feathers, among others.

“Roddy secured the Champion Apprentice title in 2010 and overall, compiled a record of 25 wins, 48 seconds, and 41 thirds in 326 starts, with earnings of $611,750.

“During his career he also partnered with classy jumpers such as Sporty, Balance the Budget, Top Man Michael, Country Cousin, Super Saturday, Saluda Sam, Raven’s Choice, Orison, Jellyberry, The Price of Love, Mon Villez, and Sermon of Love.”