Racing excellence based in the Cotswolds

Passionate and dedicated to horses from a young age, Darren O’Dwyer began his professional horse racing career in 1997.

His journey started when he worked as an apprentice and then as conditional jockey riding professionally for many years in Ireland and England. Darren then later progressed through various roles as a pupil assistant and assistant trainer working with top trainers in Ireland, UK and US.

Darren O’Dwyer riding Or Bleu winning at Exeter National Hunt Flat Race for Phillip Hobbs, 2007

It is the time spent in these positions which has enabled Darren to gain the insight and necessary expertise in the racing industry, all whilst building a fantastic network of contacts.

As an ex-professional jockey, Darren has had the opportunity to ride some of the highest profile horses both on and off the racecourse. This level of first-hand involvement has provided Darren with invaluable understanding of what it takes to be a winning horse.

Darren O’Dwyer riding Albinus, winning at Doncaster for Andrew Balding, 2008.

With a track record of winners, Darren O’Dwyer’s hard work and dedication is continuing to shine through his involvement with horses such as Laura Morgan’s Notlongtillmay who recently finished 2nd in the Turners Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) in Cheltenham.

Darren purchased Coopers Cross, winning 1st place in the Sky Bet Premier Handicap Chase in Doncaster for Stuart Coltherd and leading Scottish owners J Fyffe and S Townshend. This horse also finished 2nd in the Scottish Grand National 2023 after falling whilst in contention only eight days earlier in the Topham Handicap Chase at Aintree.

Darren O’Dwyer’s track record continues to progress as does his growing client base of trainers and owners. He is gaining further attention which is spurring on his future successes consistently providing winners.

W I N N E R S

DAN’S CHOSEN | HANDICAP CHASE, NEWTON ABBOT | SEPT 23

DAN’S CHOSEN | HANDICAP CHASE, NEWTON ABBOT | JULY 23

Gandhi Maker | Handicap Chase, Sedgefield | Feb 23

Midnight Shuffle | Mares Novices Hurdle, Musselburgh | Feb 23

Notlongtilmay | Novices Limited Chase, Musselburgh | Feb 23

Gandhi Maker | Handicap Chase, Sedgefield | Jan 23

Coopers Cross | Sky Bet Premier Handicap, Doncaster | Jan 23

Bushypark | Yorkshire Grand National, Catterick | Jan 23

Notlongtilmay | Novices Handicap Chase, Musselburgh | Jan 23

Hidden Commander | Handicap Chase, Sedgefield | Dec 22

Notlongtillmay | Novices Handicap Chase, Wetherby | Nov 22

Hidden Commander | Handicap Chase, Newcastle | Nov 22

Grand Voyage | Novices Handicap Chase, Ayr | Nov 22

Dan’s Chosen | Novices Handicap Chase, Fakenham | Oct 22

Coopers Cross | Handicap Chase, Carlisle | Oct 22

Kanukankan | Novices Hurdle, Market Rasen | Aug 22

Hidden Commander | Novices Handicap Chase, Kelso | May 22

Seeyouinmydreams | Point to Point, Largy | Apr 22

Hidden Commander | Handicap Chase, Ayr | Apr 22

Hidden Commander | Handicap Chase, Kelso | Apr 22

Another Theatre | Mares Handicap Chase, Newcastle | Mar 22

Notlongtillmay | Novices Hurdle, Footwell | Jan 22

Grand Voyage | Handicap Hurdle, Kelso | Dec 21

Grand Voyage | Novices Handicap Hurdle, Kelso | Dec 21

Bushypark | Novices Handicap Chase, Kelso | Dec 21

Coopers Cross | Novices Handicap Chase, Sedgefield | Nov 21

Midnight Shuffle | NHF Flat Race, Kelso | Sep 21

Gentle Jolie | Mares Novices Hurdle, Cartmel | May 21

Gentle Jolie | Mares Novices Hurdle, Hexham | May 21

Another Theatre | Mares Handicap Hurdle, Sedgefield | Mar 21

Bushypark | Handicap Hurdle, Haydock Park | Feb 21

Another Theatre | Mares Handicap Hurdle, Southwell | Dec 20

Bushypark | Novices Handicap Hurdle, Doncaster | Dec 20

Bushypark | Handicap Hurdle, Hexham | Dec 20

Bushypark | Handicap Hurdle, Haydock Park | Dec 20

Bushypark | Handicap Hurdle, Hexham | Nov 20

Bobby Bow | Maiden Hurdle, Hexham | Nov 20

Kings Cave | Open Maiden Point to Point, Cothelstone | Mar 20

Little Rory Mac | Novices Handicap Hurdle, Kelso | Mar 20

Little Rory Mac | Handicap Hurdle, Market Risen | Dec 19

Arthur Mac | Novices Hurdle, Sedgefield | Mar 19

At Its Own Expense | Novices Handicap Hurdle, Taunton | Feb 19

Another Theatre | Mares Handicap Hurdle, Newcastle | Jan 19

Arthur Mac | Maiden Hurdle, Catterick | Dec 18

Another Theatre | Novices Hurdle, Newcastle | Dec 18

Arthur Mac | NHF Flat Races, Hereford | Jan 18

Smadynium | Handicap Hurdle, Hexham | Sep 16

Smadynium | Handicap Hurdle, Hexham | Apr 16

Sunset West and Kings Cave in 2000

SERVICES

Darren’s strong working relationships with many Point to Point handlers in Ireland has consistently proven to help his Clients succeed on the racecourse with their purchases.
Should you wish to purchase through the sales ring or privately, Darren is able to assist you with research, viewings and horse pedigrees.
As part of his service, Darren is able to provide representation on behalf of his Clients at horse sales, race meetings and training yards.
Worldwide transportation is organised utilising only dependable and professional equine transport providers.
Veterinary services are readily available and may include x-rays, blood tests, trachea wash, scanning and further examinations at the discretion of the Client.

TESTIMONIALS

Darren worked for us for several years as our assistant, he is very hard working and reliable. He has sourced us winners under the rules with ‘At Its Own Expense’ and ‘Dan’s Chosen’. With his many contacts in the racing industry I am sure he will continue to find good horses for good value, from reliable sources.

Philip Hobbs, Leading British Trainer

We have known Darren for over 20 years when we first met him at Philip Hobbs’ racing stables. During all this time we have found him to be extremely straightforward, honest and dedicated to the job in hand. In further addition, we have always found Darren to be a great communicator and I have no hesitation in recommending him as a bloodstock agent.

Diana & Grahame Whateley, Owners

Darren has been very successful with us with both purchasing from and for us. I believe nearly every purchase has been a winner. Darren has a great knowledge for the game from his time riding and working in top yards so he knows the type of horse to buy to bring about success. We highly recommend here at Blackhall Stables for all levels of horses.

Andy Pierce, Blackhall Stables

I have bought many horses through Darren over the last 5 years. Darren knows many people in the industry whom he trusts and as a buyer that gives you the confidence, he will find good horses which will ultimately win races for you. It is difficult to find honest people in this game, Darren O’Dwyer is definitely one of them and comes highly recommended.

Adam McCormack, Owner