Former jockey Richard Dunwoody gets honorary degree
Three-time champion jockey turned polar explorer Richard Dunwoody has been awarded an honorary degree (DUniv) by the University of Ulster, Ireland, in recognition of his contribution to equine sport.
In a glittering national hunt racing career the Belfast-born jockey rode 1,699 winners and since retirement has completed various expeditions including a 673 mile trek to the South Pole.
Addressing his fellow graduates on Tuesday, Dr Dunwoody said: “I am confident that you could not have chosen a more dynamic university in which to complete your education.
“A university that, I have no doubt, will soon achieve its vision of becoming the leading university for sport in Ireland. The new £20 million sports facility at Jordanstown is incredible”.
He added: “I’d like to dedicate this to my parents and in particular my number one mentor, my father George.”
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A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.