Marden | Lucky Irish Mount

Marden is an Irish bred 2008 gelding by Danehill Dancer. This jet setting gelding had two starts in Ireland, winning the E.B.F Reference Point Maiden Stakes for then trainer, Brian Meehan. Following this success, Marden was purchased by Chris Waller in 2010 for ₤190,000 and was imported to Australia in early 2011. Marden raced under Waller for his next 37 starts with five wins and 13 placings.

In 2014, Marden moved to Western Australia to join the stables of Adam Durrant. Marden won the Mount Barker Cup in 2015, and started in the 2014 Perth Cup, AHA Cup and Bunbury Cup. Finishing off his racing career under the guidance of Paul Hunter, Marden retired with a career of 55 starts, six wins, six seconds, seven thirds, and a career total of $351,641 in winnings.

While in Paul Hunters stables, Marden quickly became the personal favorite of trackwork rider, Jess Gray. Jess had previously seen Marden whilst clerking at the Mount Barker Cup in 2015 and recalls pointing the horse out to a friend.

“If that horse runs no good, I’m going to go offer to buy him off the trainer.” Jess promised.

Jess soon came into ownership of the talented gelding after the decision was made to retire Marden from racing. Since then, the pair have formed a strong partnership and Marden is thoroughly enjoying his retirement with his favorite rider.

Jess described Marden as the easiest horse she has ever owned. Mardens calm, kind, and trainable nature, along with his good looks, has meant that he has become a great companion for Jess. He has even been used on occasion as a race day companion and helps Jess break in young racehorses. Marden is a seasoned pro who gives you 110% and learns very quickly.

As a jockey, Jess does not get much time to compete, although she did comment that she rather enjoys their quiet times together. They are often found relaxing at the beach or exploring nearby trails.

Jess said, “I get my dose of adrenaline at the races, so to have a horse that I can simply enjoy is the best part for me!”

Jess describes their best memory together as her first competition back after breaking her neck. Marden was the first horse she rode after the injury, and he carried her around the Hickstead course safely after being kept in work by a friend’s eleven-year-old daughter.

Marden has gone on to help many other riders develop. Prepared with his well-rounded education, Marden was lent to be the mount of a friend’s daughter, helping her move up the eventing heights. He was then leased to another girl, who initially competed in the lower levels of jumping before taking Marden around one-meter courses. Marden is now helping another young girl move up the grades. Although his passion has never been great for higher level competition, he thoroughly enjoys showing the younger riders the ropes.

We wish Marden and all his riders, all the best in the 2023 season!