Gary Hutchinson could never have been accused of being an overnight success, but once the penny dropped, he established himself as an accomplished jockey and enjoyed a lucrative five years in the saddle. He will be best remembered for his partnership with the legendary mare Solerina.
Principal Trainer: James Bowe, Ted Walsh
Notable Wins:
- Tara Hurdle (Solerina 2005 + 2004 + 2003)
- Hatton’s Grace Hurdle (Solerina 2005 + 2004 + 2003)
- Lismullen Hurdle (Solerina 2005 + 2004)
- "Monksfield" Novice Hurdle (Sweet Kiln 2004)
- John James McManus Memorial Hurdle (Solerina 2004)
- Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Coq Hardi Diamond 2004)
- Denny Juvenile Hurdle (Top Strategy 2003)
- Paddy Power Chase (Coq Hardi Diamond 2002)
- Murphy’s Irish Stout Handicap Hurdle (Mise Rafturai 2002)
Early Days
Hutchinson rode his first winner on the Ted Walsh-trained Adaramann at Downpatrick in November 1997 and it was over two years later before he visited the winners’ enclosure again when he partnered An Modh Direach to win at Tramore. Not long after this success, Gary’s association with the Michael O’Connor-trained Testify helped to raise his profile, as they won three races between 2000 and 2001 including a valuable handicap hurdle at the Punchestown Festival. His boss, Ted Walsh, supplied him with winners on the likes of True Blue Victory and Some Buzz in late-2001 and early-2002 and then a double at Punchestown on St Patrick’s Day provided him with a big boost.
2002/3 proved to be a break-out year for Hutchinson, with him riding a total of 22 winners. He made a fast start to the campaign, with him teaming up with the Paul Nolan-trained Mise Rafturai to win four handicap hurdles in succession, including the valuable Murphy’s Irish Stout Handicap Hurdle at Killarney in July. Perhaps the highlight of his season came when he won the lucrative Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting on the Noel Meade-trained Coq Hardi Diamond. The following season saw him continue that momentum, riding the Ted Walsh-trained Top Strategy to win the Grade 2 Denny Juvenile Hurdle in December 2003.
A Great Mare Comes On The Scene
However, when Gary Hutchinson looks back on his career, the focus will very much be on one horse, the legendary mare Solerina. Trained by James Bowe, the remarkable mare won a total of 22 races, with Hutchinson riding her to 13 of those wins over a period of just over three years. The pick of those wins were perhaps her three successes in the Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdles at Fairyhouse, but he also guided her to three Grade 2 Tara Hurdles at Navan and two Lismullen Hurdles at Navan and the Grade 1 John James McManus Memorial Hurdle at Tipperary. She was a truly remarkable mare and Hutchinson will forever be associated with her.
After Solerina was retired in 2006, Hutchinson struggled to get back on track. He could only ride a total of three winners in the next two seasons and having last ridden at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day in 2009, Hutchinson has yet to return to the racecourse. Whether he returns to the racecourse or not, Hutchinson has already earned his place in Irish racing history alongside Solerina.
Info supplied by Horse Racing Ireland - Updated January 2011
