Richard Dunwoody MBE

Three times Champion jockey Richard Dunwoody is one of Britain’s most successful jockeys ever.  He was at the forefront of British National Hunt racing in the 80’s and the 90s, winning the Big Three races – the Grand National (twice on Miinnehoma and West Tip), the Champion Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
When he hung up his boots at the age of 35 due to injury in 1999, he had won a record 1,874 races. He is best known for his partnership with the legendary Desert Orchid on whom he won seven races.  Richard received an MBE in 1993 and in 2008 the University of Ulster awarded him an honorary degree in recognition of his contribution to equine sport. He has worked as a racing pundit for the BBC, sports columnist, and inspirational speaker.

In January 2008 Richard completed a gruelling 680-mile, 48-day trek to the South Pole un-resupplied and on a new route, one that Shackleton intended to take in 1915.

From May to July 2009 Richard undertook the ‘1000 Mile in 1000 hours’ Barclay Challenge which involved walking one mile in every hour for 42 days with minimal sleep throughout this period. This raised over 150K for four charities.

2009 also saw Richard’s appearance on the BBC hit show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, an experience which he describes in his second autobiography, ‘Method in My Madness’ as far more daunting than riding around the Aintree Grand National fences!

Audiences will learn about the driving ambition which led him to become a household favourite in racing circles at only 21 and the focus and determination which kept him at the forefront of National Hunt racing for 15 years and helped him complete his greatest ever achievement reaching the South Pole, on skis, with no resupplies and via a new route. Richard also considers how he focused his mind to overcome the extreme sleep deprivation of walking 1000 miles in 1000 hours, and confronting the fear that he suffered when taking to the Strictly Come Dancing floor with Lilia Kopylova in front of 10 million viewers.

Business lessons include:

• Controlling the controllable
• Choosing your attitude
• Goal setting
• Overcoming the fear of failure
• Learning from mistakes and dealing with setbacks
• Building a high performance team
• Focus and commitment needed to get to the top

“Richard visited last week to attend a gallery launch. He gave a fascinating  talk on subjects ranging from Desert Orchid, to the South Pole and his recent trip to North Korea. He then opened the presentation up to a question and answer session which made the audience feel very involved. There was a lovely atmosphere in the room and the feedback since has been overwhelming; one elderly lady said it was the highlight of her last 12 months.”  Owner, The Rocking Horse Gallery and Cafe

“Richard is as inspiring a speaker as he was a jockey, taking the audience on the epic and dangerous journey to the South Pole with the same sang froid as he would have ridden the National. Needless to say he was a huge success.”   Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd

“Richard was a huge success and warmly received by everybody. There was a sense that we were welcoming home a national hero.”  ESB Ireland

“What a roaring success this event was. It was hugely enjoyable and very interesting. Inspiring.”  APM

“The feedback has been excellent with everyone thoroughly enjoying Richard’s talk and experiences. It was our most successful event ever…He is some guy!”  British Red Cross

“Richard made an inspiring presentation to our company….was at ease with the audience… and was very open and friendly with members of the company…We would highly recommend him as an inspirational speaker.”  Kinnarps UK Ltd

“I would like to thank you for the excellent presentation….There was great interest in your presentation and we have received excellent feedback from delegates. “ The Sales Institute of Ireland

“I had the pleasure of listening to your talk today…on behalf of Bracknell Forest Homes. It was the highlight of the day…”  Bracknell Forest Homes

“Richard is a lovely, professional man and was very approachable and amenable. His speech was great and my colleagues were very impressed that he was happy to speak to them afterwards and have pictures taken. Would definitely recommend him.”  Abbott Diagnostics