T O'Ryan(7) also rode in that Tennent Trophy race.

Poston had one later on the card, ridden by Jock Skilling.

anyone remember a 'jockey' who went under the unlikely name of K Temple-Nidd ? If we'd had betfair 40 years ago layers would have cleaned up on him as can't recall him ever riding a winner although he seemed to get plenty of rides.

posy
We've covered Temple Nidd earlier....just put his name in the Forum search near the top of this page.

Any Arthur 'Fiddler' Goodwill stories ?

democrat
Did you see this video clip of hts stable in the fifties.
http://www.britishpathe.com/video/apprentice-jockeys

I remember Tom Masters was his main jockey and they had loads of winners in the 50/60 era.Pee Mai of his won some good races.
He was a bit like the Reg Hollinshead of his day...training loads of apprentices.

Don't know much about his character...except on an earlier thhread somebody said he travelled everywhere   by bicycle.

^  I guess he took the economic options!
--------------------------
Sure looks like that, ged

His Apprentices were probably the (Jockey Club travel allowance, subsidised) Box Driver, and the 'lead up' groom.

In 1973 Horses in Training - he had 4 Apprentices listed ....

None of the were listed as either Apprentices, or Jockeys, in 1974.

He only trained for a few years in the 1970s

Hiya Paul
Tell me what you know about Tommy Shedden.

TMan, Tommy Shedden, trained at Wetherby and his gallops ran alongside the old A1 near to the old Wetherby roundabout. Tommy was a trainer who seemed to specialise in long odds touches and the two jockeys that he usually used were Ted Larkin and lightweight Norman McIntosh who could do 7st but as strong as an ox. Ted was quite heavy for a flat jockey and with the weights as they were in handicaps those days, he couldn't do the weight on many of Tommy's runners. The stable was not renowned for having many winners but when they did they were usually big prices and not unbacked. Some examples from memory are 2-y-o Judolyn winning at Ponte in June 1969, Double Royal winning over 7f at Redcar around 1971 being backed from 50s into 12-1, Floridian landing a wholesale touch at Redcar in late 1960s, a 2-y-o named Relax winning an 8f nursery at Thisk around 1968. A horse called Seaflash landed the money in a mile nursery at Ponte around 1973 ridden by Ernie Johnson (a rare booking). He had an appretice around that that called M Bray. He spent a bit of money buying the winner of the Rous seller at York with Shot In The Dark. He wasn't unbacked when winning a back end Beverley mile nursery the following month.I was only around the tracks for the last ten years or so of Tommy's time as a trainer but I used to love the stable.

PAULBU - Chiquera carried 7-7 when it won Lanark's 20 furlong race by 4 lengths at 4-1.

paulbu,if you worked in the wholesale electrical game in leeds you must know or know of michael hyman?

Ribero, I was only at 'Freds' part time for a couple of months before moving back home to Darlington. I had been at Leeds Uni at it wasn't a proper job.

no worries paulbu,his family had a big wholesale electrical business in leeds some years ago,we shared a journey to cheltenham and back a few years ago and did a lot of reminiscing as his family had horses for a lot of years,he owned that old sprinter absolution.

Blimey Ribero 365/1 chance comes in

floridian ,another from memory lane that i back a few times ....i'm nearly sure he won a few as well ..?

Some old time jump jockeys:

Stan Murphy - rode Celtic Gold (Bula Hurdle 1969)

Gary Old - rode True Song (1974 County Hurdle)

Ian Watkinson - rode Sea Pigeon (1978 Fighting 5th)

Jimmy Nolan - rode Eric (1971 Gerry Fielden)

Doug Barrott - rode Church Wood (1971 Imperial Cup)

Geoff Lawson - rode Spy Net (1972 Imperial Cup)

Re Floridian...

He only had to carry 7st 3lb in the CES. which was way lighter than Eddie Larkin his regular pilot could do.
The day prior Nijinski won the Dewhurst and on the Saturday FLOSSY the French horse won the Champion Stakes beating Park Top and Lorenzaccio.Lorenzaccio would go on to beat Nijinski in that race the following year...what a shocker that was.

The mighty mac, re some of your old time jump jockeys. Probably all well known but Geoff Lawson was part of the set up with brother in law(?) Guy Harwood in the halcyon days in the 80's. Have a feling that Ian Watkinson got into a bit of trouble fairly recently but not quite sure what it was about. Sadly well remember the day Doug Barrott died, 5 days after a fall in the Whitbead when held at Newcastle in '73.

TMan, Your report from 2002 makes it sound as if Tommy Shedden has only just passed away and that he trained until around that time. To my memory Tommy Shedden packed in training in the late 70s. Tommy must have been 35 to 40 years older than me !!

WR
This is from RP in 2004...thought you might like it.

Byline: RODNEY MASTERS

IN THE final countdown to a top race, nothing is guaranteed to turn the morning air a deeper shade of blue than a bungled work session on the gallops.

Trainers are aware that valuable prizes are left behind when a horse is asked to do too much in the final prep.

They are the pressure mornings when nerves are on edge. Quite often the all-important finishing touches are left in the dependable hands of the work rider, rather than the jockey. They are regarded as key personnel.

If you compare a racehorse to an ocean-going liner, the jockey is the captain who enjoys all the prestige, while the work rider is below decks putting in all the hard graft - unseen, unheard and often forgotten.

Occasionally, they are mentioned in despatches. When Lynda Ramsden's Double Vodka won at Doncaster on what was to prove the first leg of a hat-trick over the summer, the trainer gave the credit to work rider Jimmy Bleasdale.

She said: 'Double Vodka used to be very keen at home and Jimmy has done a wonderful job with him. He has a fine pair of hands and rides this horse out all the time. He has taught him to settle.'

We spoke to Bleasdale and four other senior work riders from Ireland and across Britain.

By coincidence, and without being asked, most of them had a funny story to tell about riding work upsides Lester Piggott. It seems he was anxious to put his own measure to the value of the work for future reference.

Jimmy Bleasdale

Age 47

Employer Lynda Ramsden, Sandhutton, Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

Background Champion apprentice in 1977. The North's leading jockey the following season. Rode around 650 winners across Britain, India, Hong Kong and Singapore. One of the more notable wins came on Move Off in the Ebor. Sustained head injuries at Haydock in 1981 when his mount broke a leg and he was thrown against a concrete post. 'It was around the same time that Joe Blanks was fatally injured in a fall at Brighton when he hit a concrete post.' Bleasdale returned to action three months later. After retirement, he trained apprentices in Qatar for three years - 'It certainly wasn't Dubai, and the standard of racing was poor, but it was an experience.'

Best horses ridden Devon Ditty, Shotgun and Apache

Injuries away from the racecourse None

Do you break the yearlings? 'I did in my youth with Sam Hall and Chris Thornton, but these days I'm inclined to leave it to the youngsters.'

Best part of job 'Getting on a decent horse. Work sessions are timed by Jack Ramsden and you need to be on the ball when it comes to getting the pace right. It was great to see Double Vodka do so well.'

Worst part of job 'Most things are positive and enjoyable, though I suppose the occasional poor ride would be the downside.'

Other employment A race-reader for the Press Association at courses in North Yorkshire. Assists his wife Denise in running their guest house, Tatton Lodge, at Londonderry, Northallerton. 'We see racing folk quite a lot - old faces and new.'

Are you a profitable punter? 'No. I might have a tenner on if I go racing for fun. My maximum would be pounds 20.'

A horse to follow 'Mrs Ramsden's Ecologically Right is a filly who will do well next season as a three-year-old when she strengthens up.'

Amusing story Riding work with Lester Piggott for Tom Jones in Newmarket. Lester, who knew how good his horse was, shot four lengths clear, against the trainer's instructions. When I caught up and came alongside him, he looked across and asked 'What's that then?'

Candy Morris

Age 40 Employer Mick Channon, West Ilsley, Berkshire

Background Former professional jockey on the Flat (60 wins) and over jumps (29 wins). Career spanned 18 years. Twice runner-up to Gee Armytage for the women's jumps championship; also runner-up to Alex Greaves in Flat equivalent. Rides between four and six horses on the main work mornings, Tuesdays and Fridays. With Channon stable for 13 years.

Best horses ridden Bint Allayl, Queen's Logic and Zafeen

Injuries Plenty as a jockey, none as a work rider

Do you break the yearlings? 'I was involved in my days as a jockey, but not since.'

Best part of job 'Spotting a new talent and being involved from the beginning of a horse's career.'

Worst part of job 'Our 5am pull-outs in the summer when the weather is unkind.'

Other employment In partnership with husband Billy Morris, runs Woodlands Enterprises at Great Shefford, which sells shooting and equestrian equipment. Supplies 80 per cent of jockeys with their riding attire.

Are you a profitable punter? 'I'm not a gambler. I've no time.'

A horse to follow Press Express. 'He won his maiden at Chepstow last month and is the type to do particularly well as a three-year-old next season.'

Amusing story 'Mick ran four in a valuable seller at Goodwood. I was on the 25-1 shot and came on the scene late to just pip the one that everybody at the yard had backed. Mick tried to look angry at me but he just laughed - he was tickled pink his horse had won a race.'

Vincent Rossiter

Age 62

Employer Tommy Stack, Thomastown Castle, Golden, County Tipperary

Background Joined Vincent O'Brien in 1961, remaining until trainer's retirement, riding as second or third choice jockey. Had more than 50 winners, including Glenstal in National Stakes. Often rode pacemaker in Classics.'I keep in regular touch with Lester Piggott, who was our stable jockey for so many years.' Trained four or five horses for two seasons, and had a winner for Robert Sangster at the Galway Plate meeting.

Best horses ridden Sir Ivor - 'I agree with Lester that he was the best' He also rode work on Nijinsky, Alleged, El Gran Senor, Roberto The Minstrel and Caerleon.

Injuries A punctured lung and three broken ribs following a Clonmel fall in 1986, but problem-free on home exercise grounds.

Do you break the yearlings? No

Best part of job 'When your opinion regarding a horse's potential is proven correct - the bad ones as well as the good! Also watching the apprentices progress - we've some good ones here now, including Billy Lee and Shane Hasset.'

Worst part of job 'When a work session is botched up by someone going off too fast or too slow. It's frustrating and time wasting.'

Other employment 'I work alongside Tommy Stack's son Fozzy as assistant trainer. Fozzy - proper name James - is a bright lad and he's going to make a very good trainer.'

Are you a profitable punter? 'I've never been a serious punter as such because Vincent used to pay us well, and perhaps it was something to do with my father being a bank manager. I didn't have punters, either. Lester was by far the best tipster. He'd be right 90 per cent of the time.'

A horse to follow 'Tolpuddle will win good races when the ground is soft.'

Amusing story.'Lester Piggott had been riding work at Ballydoyle and was running late for his flight home. I was driving his hire-car and he told me to put my foot down. We got pulled over for speeding. When the officer said he'd been trying to catch us for 20 minutes, Lester replied 'You'd better get a faster car then'. Of course, that was it. I got booked and was fined. Lester thought it was hilarious.

'There was also the occasion in an Irish Derby when I rode a pacemaker for the owner of the favourite, who won. My mother was there and was very excited. She thought I was on the winner!'

Robert Street

Age 57

Employer Barry Hills, Lambourn

Background Just two employers - Sir Noel Murless and Hills. Served two periods of apprenticeship with Murless during 11 years at Warren Place in Newmarket. Joined Hills in 1974. Rode more than 100 winners. Disqualified after sole success at Royal Ascot - 'the worst day of my life'- for interference in Britannia Handicap. Rides out seven days a week and, along with Ernie Johnson and Kevin Mooney, one of the yard's senior work riders.

Best horses ridden Royal Palace, Busted, Connaught, Fleet, Tap On Wood, Royal Applause, Sir Harry Lewis, Haafhd and Distant Music.

Injuries Seriously hurt in 1978 Irish Oaks with fractures to his skull, an arm and pelvis, and underwent surgery for blood clot on brain. The odd mishap as a work rider, but nothing serious.

Do you break the yearlings? 'I did at one time, but now I don't get to sit on the youngsters until February/March.'

Best part of job 'The thought of riding a good horse makes me jump out of bed'

Worst part of job 'Winter. Also, when the horses are sick. That's depressing.'

Other employment None

Are you a profitable punter? 'Yes. Over the years, I'd be in front.'

A horse to follow 'Etlaala has always worked like a class act and, although the ground beat him in the Dewhurst, you had to be impressed with his Champagne Stakes win over Iceman. He's looks just the type for the 2,000 Guineas. Also, there's Dhaular Dhar, who won his maiden at Chester.'

Amusing story 'There are countless tales about riding work with Lester Piggott - he'd take off at the start of the session and be gone! Also, one day I was riding at Kempton and travelled there with the boss [Hills]. We stopped alongside the course and he pointed to a tree. 'In the race I want you to make a beeline for this tree, don't worry about what the other jockeys are up to.' I duly came wide, aimed for the tree, and we won by a neck.'

Mark Denaro

Age 31

Employer James Fanshawe, Newmarket

Background Apprenticed to Richard Hannon from 1989. Rode 20 winners, but strugged with weight and gave up race-riding in 1996. Moved on to ride work for Luca Cumani and Henry Cecil. Joined Fanshawe 18 months ago. Brother Mick is assistant to William Haggas.

Best horses ridden Soviet Song, Lyric Fantasy and Lemon Souffle 

Injuries None

Do you break the yearlings? 'In my days with Richard Hannon, I'd ride away the yearlings and there was a lot of satisfaction in that role.'

Best part of job 'Being appreciated.' Worst part of job 'Too many autograph hunters - and all that fan mail!'

Other employment For past two years, a part-time racereader with the Press Association, covering racecourses that include Newmarket, Yarmouth, Huntingdon, Leicester and Lingfield. The experience means I see racing from a fresh angle - it has been an eyeopener for me and I thoroughly enjoy it.'

Are you a profitable punter? 'Let's say I get by.'

A horse to follow 'Cesare. A son of Machiavellian trained by James Fanshawe. He won at Beverley in the spring and is a good prospect for next season.'

Amusing story 'It was the morning we found out just how quick Lyric Fantasy was. Part of Richard Hannon's gallops is on army land and the arrangement is that's he's off them by 9am. I don't know if we were late, or the paratroopers were early, but about 50 of them started to drop around us. The filly showed a right turn of foot to get out of their way.'
COPYRIGHT 2004 MGN LTD

Paul
Yes I see that now I missed the original story date off....he retired at the end of the 1977 Flat Season.....I trust most of the
old guys picked up on that.

Hey, less of the 'old'