About John Riordan
Lived 1936 – 2021 (aged 84–85). John Riordan was a New Zealand jockey.
John Peter Riordan (1936 – 10 August 2021) was a New Zealand jockey in Thoroughbred horse racing.
Biography Born in New Plymouth, Riordan was the son of Dennis and Agnes Riordan. 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. He rode the same horse as favourite in the 1963 Melbourne Cup, but finished third last. Other major races won by Riordan included the Auckland Cup in 1972, and the Wellington Cup.
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.
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Important facts
People in John Riordan's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped John Riordan's
Frequently asked questions
Who was John Riordan?
New Zealand jockey
When was John Riordan born?
John Riordan was born in 1936 in New Plymouth.
When did John Riordan die?
John Riordan died in 2021 in Brisbane, Queensland.
What was John Riordan's occupation?
John Riordan was a jockey.
What nationality was John Riordan?
John Riordan was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Riordan (jockey)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Riordan. https://biography.guide/john-riordan-jockey/
MLA: "John Riordan." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-riordan-jockey/.
Chicago: "John Riordan." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-riordan-jockey/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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