Irwin Driedger

Last Updated: April 2, 2024

Irwin Driedger – The Life and Legacy of Retired Jockey

Irwin Driedger, a distinguished name in the Canadian horse racing industry, is a retired jockey remembered for his significant contributions to the sport. His illustrious racing career, marked by numerous victories and accolades, transitioned into a role of continued impact on the sport even after retirement.

Early Life and Introduction to Horse Racing

Born on July 25, 1956, in Altona, Manitoba, Irwin’s affair with horse racing began at age 11. Clifford’ Shorty’ Gray, a trainer from Russell, Manitoba, hired Irwin as an exercise rider. Gray’s influence and early exposure to the world of horse racing stirred within Irwin a passion that would shape his entire life.

First Race and Victory

Irwin’s first win came at the Neepawa Fair Grounds, a racetrack in Manitoba. He was riding “Admiral Zenith.” This victory marked the beginning of a successful career in horse racing.

Ascension to Professional Horse Racing

Irwin’s career escalated when he moved to recognized tracks such as Assiniboia Downs, where he rode from 1973 to 1982. His early days as a professional jockey were not without struggle. He juggled grooming and exercising horses for a meager $15 a week. However, his perseverance paid off when he won his first race at Assiniboia Downs on June 27, 1973, aboard “Count I.”

Record-Breaking Wins and Accolades

In 1976, Irwin hired Manitoba native Lorne Spearman, who was to be his career-long agent. Together, they formed one of the most formidable jockey and agent partnerships.

In 1978, Irwin rode to victory in “Liz’s Pride” (champion 2-year-old filly), Victor’s Pride, and One and Only for Mrs. Sifton’s Stoneacres Farm.

Other special horses to Irwin over his years at the Downs included Astral Moon, Baladi, Major Enterprise, and Scarlet Rich. These mounts served as a springboard to Irwin’s career future success in 1979 when he set a record 161 wins at the Winnipeg track.

Also, in 1979, Irwin was recognized as Manitoba’s Male Athlete of the Year, the first jockey to receive this award. The following year, Irwin shattered his own record when he rode 180 winners. His crowning achievement came in 1981 when he recorded an astonishing 214 victories at Assiniboia Downs in a single year, a record that stands unbroken.

For his outstanding performance, Irwin was recognized as Canada’s Outstanding Jockey at the Sovereign Awards the same year.

From 1973 to 1982, Irwin rode 980 winners at the Downs. In addition, he won four consecutive Downs leading jockey titles (1979 – 1982). Irwin knew that his future was at the larger eastern tracks, so off he went to ply his trade at Woodbine, Greenwood, and Fort Erie.

It was economics, plain and simple. In 1981, Irwin Driedger won 220 races (214 at Assiniboia Downs) for $800,000 in purses.

In 1984, he won 111 east races for purses totaling $1.6 million!

Transition to Ontario

Recognizing the potential for growth and opportunity, Irwin came to Ontario in 1982 and won The Cup and Saucer Stakes aboard a long shot, Victorious Emperor, from Sam-Son Farms.

In 1983, Driedger and Spearman relocated permanently to Ontario, where Irwin became the regular jockey for Ernie Samuel’s Sam-Son Farms and then trainer Jim Day. Also, in 1983, Irwin returned to Assiniboia Downs, where he won his only Manitoba Derby aboard Pierre-Louis Levesque’s Gone to Royalty. As it turns out, this Derby win would be Irwin’s last at the Downs.

Riding Champions and Setting Records

Irwin’s record-setting streak continued in Ontario, where he rode several Sovereign Award winners, including Phoenix Factor, Classy’ n Smart, In My Cap, Grey Classic, and Imperial Choice.

He also guided Classy’ n Smart to victory in the Canadian Oaks, winning graded stakes on champions Grey Classic and Imperial Choice (1985 Canadian horse of the year). Irwin also rode Winfield Farm’s undefeated champion Silver Deputy.

His last significant ride before retirement was aboard Classy’ n Smart’s daughter, Dance Smartly, to an impressive maiden victory on August 11, 1990. This win marked the start of Dance Smartly’s incredible racing career.

Retirement and Legacy

On August 12, 1990, Irwin returned to Assiniboia Downs for “Irwin Driedger Day.” Why did he return to the Downs for the final rides of his career? Because ‘Shorty’ Gray, the man who discovered him riding a pony as an 11-year-old on the street in Russell, Manitoba, asked him to.

Irwin retired from thoroughbred racing in 1990 after a stellar career with over 1,600 wins.

Post-retirement, he served as the Director of the Jockeys’ Benefit Association of Canada (JBAC) from 1990-2006 and again from 2019-21. He implemented policies for Canadian jockeys to be the first in North America to wear safety vests.

On June 6, 1998, Irwin received the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award, recognizing a Canadian-born/raised jockey who has significantly contributed to thoroughbred horse racing.

From 2006-18, Irwin took on the role of Director of Thoroughbred Racing Surfaces at Woodbine Racetrack. Irwin Driedger’s expertise was frequently sought for his knowledge of racing surfaces, including synthetic tracks. His focus always remained on ensuring the safety of horses and riders.

Hall of Fame Induction and Passing

In 2023, Irwin was named to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame. Sadly, he passed away the same year following a long battle with cancer. His induction ceremony, on August 9, 2023, was held posthumously.

Irwin’s life and legacy left an indelible mark on the Canadian thoroughbred horse racing industry. His commitment to the sport, both as a jockey and in his post-riding roles, has had a lasting impact that will be remembered fondly by the horse racing community.

Irwin rode for many owners throughout his career, from the large, blue-bred stables to the one- or two-horse “Mom & Pop” operations. Irwin was as loyal as it came. Lastly, Irwin helped many behind the scenes, never looking for or wanting recognition for his efforts.

Despite his passing, retired jockey Irwin Driedger’s legacy, which crosses many facets of the thoroughbred horse racing industry, lives on, inspiring future generations of horse racing enthusiasts. His story is a testament to the passion, perseverance, and dedication required to make a lasting impact in horse racing.

by: Lorne Spearman and Bob Gates

TORONTO, May 21, 2023 – Woodbine is saddened to learn of the passing of Irwin Driedger. Driedger was an outstanding jockey who transitioned in his post-riding days to continue impacting the sport. In addition to his accolades on the track and tremendous work with the Jockey’s Benefit Association of Canada, Driedger shared his expertise with Woodbine as the Director of Racing Surfaces for over a decade. Named to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame class of 2023, Driedger will be remembered fondly by Woodbine and the entire racing community across Canada.

By: Woodbine News

The tributes keep pouring in for Hall of Fame jockey
Champion Jockey Irwin Driedger: A Man of Many Hats
Canadian horse racing lost a famous horseman and friend to many on May 20; Irwin Driedger passed at age 66 after a cancer battle.
Canadian Thoroughbred
By: Canadian Thoroughbred Staff | May 22, 2023

Woodbine is saddened to learn of the passing of Irwin Driedger. Driedger was a Sovereign Award-winning jockey, winner of over 1,600 races, and a man who transitioned in his post-riding days to continue impacting the sport.

In addition to his accolades on the track and tremendous work with the Jockey’s Benefit Association of Canada, Driedger shared his expertise with Woodbine as the Director of Racing Surfaces for over a decade. Named to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame class of 2023, Driedger will be remembered fondly by Woodbine and the entire racing community across Canada.

Thank you to Bob Gates for this story on Irwin from 2014, Assiniboia Downs News: