John Riordan (jockey)

Born in New Plymouth, Riordan was the son of Dennis and Agnes Riordan.^[1][2] He began his five-year jockey apprenticeship with Te Awamutu trainer Jack MacDonald when he was 11 years old, and rode his first winner at the age of 14.^[1]

Riordan won the 1963 W. S. Cox Plate aboard Summer Regent.^[3] He rode the same horse as favourite in the 1963 Melbourne Cup, but finished third last.^[4] Other major races won by Riordan included the Auckland Cup in 1972, and the Wellington Cup.^[1]

Riordan lived in Brisbane, Australia, for the last 20 years of his life, and died there on 10 August 2021. He was survived by his wife, Pam.^[1][2]