Remembering Roddy MacKenzie
©Tod Marks
As many know by now, former National Steeplechase Association jockey Roderick “Roddy” MacKenzie, who competed on the circuit for nine years from 2006 to 2014, passed away suddenly on Wednesday in Delaware at the young age of 45.
While arrangements are pending, the funeral home that made the announcement said that the family has requested privacy at this time.
Dreaming of someday becoming a jockey, Roddy got his start in Ireland’s pony racing circuit, which gave him a great experience to continue his racing career in England and Ireland. After honing his skills in the yards of trainers Francis Flood in Ireland and Ian Williams in England, Roddy moved his tack to America where he made his NSA debut at Tryon aboard UK Limey for trainer Paul Rowland and registered his first victory in September 2008 with owner-trainer Randy Rouse’s One Sea. He guided a host of winners for a variety of conditioners including Bruce Miller, Kathy Neilson, Julie Gomena, Mairead Carr, Earnie Oare, Richard Valentine, Janet Elliot, Cyril Murphy, Todd Wyatt, Bill Wofford, Regina Welsh, and Michael Leaf.
His two biggest scores came with Wally Pinkard’s Won Wild Bird, trained by Regina Welsh, in the 2012 Pennsylvania Hunt Cup, and the 2013 David L. “Zeke” Ferguson stakes (G3) at Colonial Downs with Meritage Racing’s Inti, conditioned by Cyril Murphy. The latter came at 24-1 over such standout competitors as Mr. Hot Stuff and Cat Feathers, among others.
©Tod Marks
Roddy secured the Champion Apprentice title in 2010 and overall, compiled a record of 25 wins, 48 seconds, and 41 thirds in 326 starts, with earnings of $611,750.
During his career he also partnered with classy jumpers such as Sporty, Balance the Budget, Top Man Michael, Country Cousin, Super Saturday, Saluda Sam, Raven’s Choice, Orison, Jellyberry, The Price of Love, Mon Villez, and Sermon of Love.
The life of a jockey isn’t easy, and Roddy had his share of mishaps, the worst coming in 2019 when he was an exercise rider at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, when he suffered extensive injuries when a loose horse crashed into him.
Not one to sit on his laurels, Roddy got right back in the tack where he felt most at home. In the ensuing years, the lifelong horseman has been breaking babies, galloping, and providing equine salt therapy services since his retirement from race riding.
Roddy was admired by those who knew him, for his incredible work ethic and love of horses. He never cut a corner and always gave his all, even if it meant starting before daylight and getting home well after dark. He was a genuine sort who made friends across the globe, with endless stories that began with ‘remember that one time’ and ended with a laugh! Roddy will be missed tremendously by friends and family on both sides of the pond, but never forgotten.
According to the funeral home, Roddy was the beloved son of Bill and Elizabeth, and brother of Alison, Rhona, Patricia and Allan, brother-in-law of Tom, Patrick and Rosie and dear uncle of Arthur, Poppy, Patrick, Eoin and James. Also survived by his beloved Jack Russell terriers Cachel and Causeway, who were right on his heels for each and every adventure.
