Dermot Weld, a name synonymous with success in the equestrian world, has carved an indelible mark on horse racing history. With a career spanning decades, Weld, operating from the renowned Rosewell House at the Curragh, has consistently demonstrated his prowess as one of the globe’s preeminent horse trainers. His journey began in 1972, and since then, he has achieved a remarkable series of milestones, including training numerous winners and securing victories in prestigious races across the world.
A Trainer’s Genesis and Early Success
The Weld lineage is deeply intertwined with the Curragh, Ireland’s premier horse racing venue. Charlie Weld established a formidable reputation at Rosewell House before passing the reins to his son, Dermot, in 1972. Situated mere yards from the Curragh racecourse entrance, Dermot Weld quickly distinguished himself. He achieved a notable success on his very first day as a trainer at Baldoyle on New Year’s Day, 1972, saddling two winners. His inaugural winner was Spanner, followed closely by Chevy Chase, whom Weld rode himself in the second division of the bumper.
Global Reach and Landmark Achievements
A qualified veterinarian by profession, Weld’s early years were also marked by considerable success as an amateur jockey. His training philosophy emphasizes sending his horses to compete on the international stage, a strategy that has yielded extraordinary results. Weld holds the distinction of being the first European trainer to win the prestigious Melbourne Cup in Australia, a feat he accomplished with the exceptional Vintage Crop in 1993. He repeated this triumph with Media Puzzle in 2002.
Vintage Crop’s legacy extends beyond the Melbourne Cup, with victories in the Irish St. Leger in both 1993 and 1994, and the Curragh Cup in 1993 and 1995. This iconic horse is honored with a life-sized bronze statue overlooking the parade ring at the Curragh racecourse.
Dominance in Irish Classics and Beyond
Dermot Weld has achieved the rare distinction of winning all five Irish Classics. His first Classic victory came with Blue Wind in the 1981 Irish Oaks, having already secured the English equivalent. He later added a second Irish Oaks with Dance Design in 1996. His success in the Irish 1,000 Guineas includes victories with Princes Polly (1982), Trusted Partner (1988), Nightime (2006), Bethrah (2010), Homeless Songs (2022), and Tahiyra (2023).
The Irish 2,000 Guineas was won with Flash Of Steel in 1986, and the Irish Derby saw victories with Zagreb (1996), Grey Swallow (2004), and Harzand (2016), the latter completing the distinguished Epsom/Irish Derby double.
Weld boasts an exceptional record in the Irish St. Leger, winning the race a record-equalling nine times. Vintage Crop triumphed in 1993 and 1994, followed by Vinnie Roe’s remarkable four consecutive wins from 2001 to 2004. Voleuse De Coeurs secured the race in 2013, and Search For A Song achieved back-to-back victories in 2019 and 2020.
His international successes also include the 2003 English 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket with Refuse To Bend. Arguably his most significant win was Harzand’s victory in the Epsom Derby on June 4, 2016, marking his 23rd European Classic success. Furthermore, Weld is the sole European trainer to have won a leg of the American Triple Crown, with Go And Go’s surprise victory in the 1990 Belmont Stakes. His consistent success in major American races includes wins with Pine Dance, Dimitrova, Jazz Beat, and Winchester. Additional Risk marked his first win in the Hong Kong Bowl at Sha Tin in 1991.
In 2024, the Chris Hayes-ridden Ezeliya became Dermot’s 25th Irish and British Classic winner with her triumph in the Epsom Oaks.
Milestones and Notable Winners
Dermot Weld has reached significant career milestones, including his 3,000th winner, Fandango Dancer, ridden by Pat Smullen at Fairyhouse on August 22, 2004. His 4,000th career success was achieved on June 22, 2016, at Naas, with Sea Swift, also ridden by Pat Smullen, winning the fillies’ maiden.
In November 2020, Weld became the fifth Irish trainer to secure a Breeders’ Cup victory when Tarnawa, under jockey Colin Keane, won the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland.
Notable Horses Associated with Dermot Weld:
A selection of significant horses trained by Dermot Weld includes: Ezeliya, Zhukova, Harzand, Fascinating Rock, Tarnawa, Tahiyra, Free Eagle, Voleuse De Coeurs, Emulous, Famous Name, Rite Of Passage, Vinnie Roe, Vintage Crop, Zagreb, Grey Swallow, Bethrah, Dance Design, Media Puzzle, Blue Wind, Princess Polly, Go And Go, Trusted Partner, Committed, Refuse To Bend, Ansar, Kiichi, Rare Holiday, General Idea, Perris Valley, Fortune And Fame, Search For A Song, and Homeless Songs.
Updated: May 31, 2024.
