Seeing R Singer(3) in that first link, riding a horse (Small Slam, who I vaguely remember) in the Lincoln for Geoffrey Barling, reminded me of a mention of him in John Oaksey's book "Mince Pie For Starters" that I read recently (a really good read imo - it's got a lot of great little anecdotes, including ones about Terry Biddlecombe and David Mould).

But there was this paragraph in it relating to one of the IJF's trips to Tenerife, from perhaps about 10 years ago...

"Des Cullen and Ronnie Singer, elfin epitomes of the caricatured Flat jockey, sat close by. Movement is not their problem. Memory and coherence are the elusive assets for riders with brain damage. The irrepressible Singer, constantly flat-capped, reminisces vividly about waking from three months of unconsciousness after a fall at Aintree more than forty years ago. What he cannot remember is that he told you the same story five minutes earlier".

I've found a reference to Ronnie Singer's fall in the Aitchison Globe of Sunday, March 27, 1960 at Aintree, so it must have come (on the flat) at the Grand National meeting following the Lincoln meeting in WHIT's post above.

Ron Singer was injured in the 108th running of the Liverpool Spring Cup on March 25th 1960.
He was riding a horse called Cross-bill owned by Mr R F Watson and trained by N Bertie.

Its hard to make out that ascot card , but i did notice F Winter had a runner in the wokingham ...Sing Sing in the kings stand odds on....Great stuff again lads....

Fred Winter (snr) rode the winner of the Oaks in 1911 when a 16yo apprentice.

I've posted that race where Ron Singer was injured. While at it, I thought I'd post a few more, this time all from 1965.

http://community.cdnbf.net/community.betfair.com/user/whitwhitlaw/f1e5ba737436ca1ea68a0caaf577bb6a.jpg?v=269100

http://community.cdnbf.net/community.betfair.com/user/whitwhitlaw/2c141272f8870de8b7eb43aa7ee8ed79.jpg?v=194916

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http://community.cdnbf.net/community.betfair.com/user/whitwhitlaw/15fe46bd04994ecea98bcdcc8d87ba83.jpg?v=255600

http://community.cdnbf.net/community.betfair.com/user/whitwhitlaw/b447739ec805ddcafc8b8b300ef5210d.jpg?v=235800

http://community.cdnbf.net/community.betfair.com/user/whitwhitlaw/9686d9588c2c50e17e8c1edca434a189.jpg?v=208200

http://community.cdnbf.net/community.betfair.com/user/whitwhitlaw/424d97deefadc967385918a99deb4f9c.jpg?v=157846

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http://community.cdnbf.net/community.betfair.com/user/whitwhitlaw/1dbd95b6555a1ed568d64d6b3df063ba.jpg?v=134924

http://community.cdnbf.net/community.betfair.com/user/whitwhitlaw/2078db9a8a65f3844577ad89af636da6.jpg?v=185850

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http://community.cdnbf.net/community.betfair.com/user/whitwhitlaw/5bfbd2a98e15de396b956c95d999217c.jpg?v=267300

JUST NOTICED le levenstall ran in that cork and orrery ...He went on to win the arc , i backed it at 33/1 with a bookie at shelbourne park on the sat night ..That's a pleasant memory .....

6th link shows F N Winter with 3 runners in a 2yo maiden on a Newmarket card. Is that FT's dad? I don't remember him as a trainer at all. Did he hand over to John?

Meacock - Maroon with Gold sleeves and quartered cap.

Julian Wilson wrote of Meacock: “He wore a battered trilby hat, smoked incessantly through a cigarette-holder, scattering ash indiscriminately, wrote unintelligible poetry and was quite the dottiest man that I had ever met!”

Can't believe Kavar Ul Mulk won a race  Mirza Ul Mulk maybe

You may be right Sparrow, just remember him as being one of the "of little account" ones in timeform.  There is some terrific stuff on Meacock on the Apprentice Jockey Website including great stills of the Vakil ul Mulk "exploits" in the Derby.

Here's some old Imperial Cups, including the very first in 1908

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I've noticed a couple of Raceform Up To Date Annuals NH 1980-1 season fetch nigh on £40 whereas other seasons in 1970/80s have gone for anywhere between £0.99p and around £8. Is there something special about the 80-81 season ?
Has anybody any ideas ?

Ged, it was the same John Curant as who rode Kithairon to a couple of wins. Kithairon was a grand old handicapper in the north mid to late 70s and he improved around 20lb when he went to Bill Watts from Ken Payne and Bill tried him without the usual blinkers. I remember a big touch in a Haydock handicap first run for the new stable, double figures into favourite when they realised what they had. Maybe Ribero1 remembers it also.

mightyfly-

There's a link here that shows that National card, with Forty Secrets at No 12 (one above Out And About, and Josh Gifford).

It's on p 9.

http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?nid=GGgVawPscysC&dat=19630330&printsec=frontpage&hl=en



And here's link to the previous day's Aintree card. Go to p17:-

http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?nid=GGgVawPscysC&dat=19630329&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

It shows Clive Chapman riding Greek Scholar in the 2nd race, the Lancashire Hurdle, having just his 2nd run over hurdles. Funnily enough, I think that horse ran in the National a few years later, ridden by Terry Biddlecombe?

There's a link here to Cheltenham Gold Cup day of 1963 (Mill House's). Clive has a ride in the Cathcart, the race before, but it looks a suicide job - a 9yo called Queen Of The May, with form figs of FF0, the complete rag.


p 12

http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?nid=GGgVawPscysC&dat=19630314&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

Jockeys of the Seventies & Eighties
http://www.freewebs.com

These pages feature jockeys who started their National career during the seventies and eighties. At present I do not have winners totals prior to the 1973-74 season so unless I have found them elsewhere totals are not complete. I also have sketchy details at present on some of the Irish jockeys and amateur riders. I hope I have unearthed a few useless bits of information and as with all my National related work I have tried to take a light hearted approach. If you really want to learn about the journeymen heroes of yesteryear buy a copy of Chris Pitts excellent book (far better researched and makes me look very lazy) - GO DOWN TO THE BEATEN (2011 - Racing Post)




A


Miss Val Alder

Stalwart on the northern circuit and as Mrs Jackson she is still riding today. Her father rode and trained Tant Pis to finish in Jay Trumps National of 1965. Further reading : "GO DOWN TO THE BEATEN" (Chris Pitt)

Grand National record : One ride 1984 Bush Guide (fell 8th)

Mr Simon Andrews

Essex based amateur

Major race won : Foxhunters Chase 88 (Newnham)

Grand National record : One ride 1989 Newnham (10th)

Miscellaneous : As well as winning the 1989 Foxhunters he completed the course in each of his three other rides finishing second on Brunton Park in 1991.

Gee Armytage (date of birth -10.09.65)

Younger sister to Marcus and daughter of trainer Roddy. Arguably the best English female jockey who rode 75 winners between 1984 and 1995. Her later career was ravaged by injury and she missed out on rides in the 1987 and 1990 Nationals. Had she not broken a leg the week before the 1990 National she and Marcus would have been the first brother and sister to ride in the National. A long standing back injury forced her retirement. Currently employed as AP McCoys PA.

Festival wins : Kim Muir Memorial Challenge Cup 87 (The Ellier), Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup 87 (Gee-A)

Grand National record : One ride 1988 Gee-A (pulled up 26th)

Miscellaneous : One ride in the Foxhunters (finished fourth) and refused in the 87 Topham injuring her ankle.

Mr Marcus Armytage

Top journalist and amateur rider who rode 85 winners under rules between 1984 and 2000. Rode in many Fegentri events in Europe and rode in three consecutive Velka Pardubickas between 1990 and 1992. Writes for the Horse and Hound and the Daily Telegraph. The last amateur to win the National.

Festival Wins : Kim Muir Memorial Cup 92 (Tug Of Gold), National Hunt Chase 94 (Christmas Gorse)

Grand National record : Five rides 1987 Brown Veil (pulled up 23rd), 1990 MR FRISK (WON), 1991 Mr Frisk (pulled up 22nd), 1995 Romany King (4th), 1996 Bishops Hall (unseated rider 1st)

Miscellaneous : Fourth was the best he could manage from seven rides in the Foxhunters and two in the Topham. He rode the favourite in the only running of the Sefton Amateur Riders Chase in 1997 and fell at the first fence.

Colin Astbury (20.09.51)

Was champion Jockey of Norway in 1977. Since retirement he has worked as stud manager, assistant trainer and is now an equine technician.

Grand National record : One ride 1974 Karacola (brought down 8th)

Dennis Atkins (01.08.47)

Grand National record : Two rides 1975 Glen Owen (fell 26th), 1978 Irish Tony (fell 8th)

Selected major races won : Mackeson Gold Cup 76 (Cancello), Scottish Grand National 80 (Salkeld)




B


Sean Barker

Festival win : Queen Mother Champion Chase 75 (Lough Inagh)

Grand National record : Four rides 1970 Vulture (2nd), 1971 Vulture (fell 15th), 1972 Black Secret (2nd), 1973 Black Secret (10th)

Maurice Barnes (18.02.52)

Northern based jockey who now trains in Cumbria. Returned to the saddle to win the Bob Champion charity flat race for Grand National winning jockeys on Grand National day in 1995.

Major races won : Eider Chase 72 (Fair Vulgan), Grand National 79 (Rubstic), Scottish National 72 (Quick Reply)

Grand National record : Thee rides 1979 RUBSTIC (WON), 1980 Rubstic (fell 15th), 1981 Rubstic (7th)

Miscellaneous : Rode three times in the Topham. Fourth was his best result.

Keith Barnfield

Grand National record : One ride 1976 Ormonde Tudor (fell 1st)

By the time he rode at Aintree he was combining race riding with his painting and decorating business. He hadn`t won for a couple of seasons and didn`t ride a winner again. Further reading "GO DOWN TO THE BEATEN" (Chris Pitt)

Ron Barry (28.02.53)

Twice champion jockey in 1972-73 (with a then record 125 wins) and 1973-74. Rode a total of 823 winners. Became the Jockey Club Inspector of courses on retirement.

Major races won : Charlie Hall Chase 70 (Kildrummy), Mackeson Gold Cup 79 (Man Alive), John Skeaping Hurdle 78 (Grand Canyon), Massey-Ferguson Gold Cup 69 (Titus Oates), 75 (Easby Abbey), SGB Chase 78 (Grand Canyon), Anthony Mildmay/Peter Cazalet Memorial Chase 76 (Money Market), 77 (Zetas Son), Embassy Premier Chase Final 77 (Border Incident),  Great Yorkshire Chase 69 (Playlord), Schweppes Gold Trophy 76 (Irish Fashion), Scottish Grand National 69 (Playlord), Whitbread Gold Cup 71 (Titus Oates), 73 (Charlie Potheen), 74 (The Dickler)

Festival wins : Sun Alliance Novices Hurdle 74 (Brown Lad), Cheltenham Gold Cup 73 (The Dickler), Cathcart Challenge Cup Chase 67 (Prince Blarney)

Grand National record : Seven rides 1971 Sandy Sprite (5th), 1972 Gyleburn (fell 1st), 1973 Princess Camilla (refused 27th), 1974 Straight Vulgan (fell 18th), 1975 The Dickler (5th), 1976 The Dickler (6th), 1982 Coolishall (unseated rider 3rd)

Miscellaneous : Five rides in the Topham finishing second in 1972 on Hurricane Rock. Rode in both races over the National fences in the one-off Autumn meeting in 1972 finishing second and fourth.

Paul Barton (13.02.54)

Became a stewards secretary on retirement in 1986. Best season 42 winners in 1977-78.

Major races won : Massey Ferguson Gld Cup 81 (Henry Kissinger), Welsh National 79 (Peter Scot), Anthony Mildmay/Peter Cazalet Memorial Chase 81 (Peter Scot), Great Yorkshire Chase 83 (Get out of me Way), Mildmay Chase 86 (Pearlyman), Topham Chase 81 (Mr Marlsbridge)

Festival win : Grand Annual Chase 82 (Reldis)

Grand National record : Eight rides 1978 Master Upham (fell 11th), 1980 Rathlek (refused 27th), 1981 Rathlek (7th), 1982 Peter Scot (fell 6th), 1983 Grittar (5th), 1984 Fortune Seeker (unseated rider 19th), 1985 Fethard Friend (pulled up 26th), 1986 Fethard Friend (pulled up 26th)

Miscellaneous : Superb record in the Topham winning in 1981 on Mr Marlsbridge and finished second on Doubly Royal in 1980 (four rides)

Mr Malcolm Batters

Very tall amateur - over six foot one.

Grand National record : One ride 1981 Martinstown (fell 27th)

Frank Berry

Ten times champion jockey of Ireland and a former trainer. Now J P McManus` racing manager.

Major race won : Maghull Novices Chase Chase 77 (Siberian Sun)

Festival wins : Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase 84 (Bobsline), Queen Mother Champion Chase 81 (Drumgora), 86 (Buck House), Sun Alliance Chase 85 (Antarctic Bay), Cheltenham Gold Cup 72 (Glencarraig Lady)

Grand National record : Eight rides 1972 Money Boat (8th), 1977 Harban (hampered & fell 4th), 1978 Henry Hall (fell 6th), 1980 Levanka (pulled up 19th), 1981 Delmoss (fell 4th), 1983 Tacroy (pulled up 22nd), 1984 Tacroy (12th), 1987 The Ellier (7th)

Ronnie Beggan

Rode a winner at every UK and Irish racecourse but his biggest victory came in the US when he partnered Moon Struck to win the 1991 Colonial Cup. 

Major races won : Tripleprint Gold Cup 86 (Oregan Trail), Bula Hurdle 84 (Brownes Gazette)

Festival wins : Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase 86 (Oregan Trail), Sun Alliance Novices Hurdle 85 (Asir)

Grand National record : Three rides 1984 Carls Wager (unseated rider 15th), 1988 Memberson (pulled up 27th), 1992 Sirrah Jay (22nd & last)

Miscellaneous : Just one ride in the Topham in 1988 which ended on the floor.

P.Black

Irish Jockey with a hundred per cent record in the National albeit finishing down the field each time.

Grand National record : Three rides 1971 Gay Buccaneer (10th), 1974 Escari (15th), 1976 Highway View (12th)

Philip Blacker (27.09.49)

Rode 340 winners before retiring in 1982 (following a fall on the eve of that years National) to become a sculptor (best season 1975-76 40 winners). His most famous works are the lifesize bronze of Red Rum which now stands in the old parade ring at Aintree (unveiled in 1988) and his trophy for the Martell Grand National presented to the winning connections between 1992 and 2004.

Major races won : Welsh Champion Hurdle 81 (Pollardstown), Aintree Hurdle 80 (Pollardstwon), Whitbread Gold Cup 80 (Royal Mail)

Festival wins : Stayers Hurdle 79 (Lighter), Triumph Hurdle 79 (Pollardstown)

Grand National record : Nine rides 1971 Vichysoise (7th), 1972 Vichysoise (refused 19th), 1973 Spanish Steps (4th), 1975 Kilmore Boy (fell 25th), 1977 Happy Ranger (7th), 1978 Teddy Bear II (fell 1st), 1979 Artistic Prince (fell 27th), 1980 Royal Stuart (4th), 1981 Royal Mail (3rd)

Miscellaneous : Superb record in the Topham, four rides, four completions making the frame three times (3rd on Quintus 1973, 4th in 1977 & 1981) 

Website: http://www.philipblacker.co.uk/

Martin Blackshaw

After his best season in the UK (41 winners in 1975-76) he relocated to France although he did return to Aintree for the National. He was killed in a car crash near Chantilly on 23rd January 1989.

Grand National record : Six rides 1973 Swan-Shot (refused 7th), 1974 Princess Camilla (17th & last), 1975 Glanford Brigg (8th), 1976 Glanford Brigg (fell 6th), 1977 Churchtown Boy (2nd), 1978 Churchtown Boy (fell 15th), 1979 Oskard (unseated rider 6th)

Miscellaneous : Rode in one Topham (1975) and fell.

Jimmy Bourke

Major Races won : William Hill Grand National Trial 72 (Glenkiln), MIldmay Chase 73 (Line Regiment), Scottish Grand National 73 (Esban)

Grand National record : Seven rides 1970 Ginger Nut (5th), 1971 Astbury (3rd), 1972 Astbury (5th), 1973 Astbury (pulled up 26th), 1974 Norwegian Flag (10th), 1975 Ballyath (pulled up 17th), 1977 Hidden Value (unseated rider 27th remounted 10th)

Miscellaneous : Aintree was a happy hunting ground. As well as landing the only running of the William Hill Grand National Trial on Glenkiln in 1972 he completed the course in five Nationals and in two of his three Tophams finishing second in 1973 on Norwegian Flag and third on Hy There in 1971. 

Michael Bowlby (14.03.64)

Jenny Pitmans brother-in-law who rode 135 winners in a ten year career. 

Major races won : Whitbread Gold Cup 89 (Brown Windsor), Swinton Insurance Hurdle 86 (Prideaux Boy)

Festial Wins : Stayers Hurdle 89 (Rustle), County Handicap Hurdle 89 (Willsford)

Grand National record : Five rides 1988 Tullamarine (fell 1st), 1989 Team Challenge (9th), 1990 Bartes (8th), 1991 Golden Freeze (17th & last), 1992 Willsford (20th)

Miscellaneous :  Finished 3rd in 1992 Topham on (2 rides)

website : www.bowlby.co.uk

J.Bracken

Grand National record : One ride 1973 Tarquin Bid (unseated rider 21st)

Graham Bradley (08.09.60)

Rode 686 winners over a twenty year period and retired immediately after steering Ontheboil to victory at Haydock in November 1999. He was always a controversial character and eventually was warned off for a five year period. He became a bloodstock agent on retirement and I believe he has resurrected his career after his enforced absence.

Major races won : Charlie Hall Chase 82 (Righthand Man), 85 (Wayward Lad), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup 82 (Bregawn), King George VI Chase 85 (Wayward Lad), Welsh National 85 (Righthand Man), 86 (Stearsby),  Charterhouse Chase 86 (Brunton Park), Mildmay Chase 87 (Dan the Miller)

Festival Wins : Supreme Novices Hurdle 98 (French Ballerina), Grand Annual Chase 86 (Pearlyman), 92 (My Young Man), 95 (Sound Revaille), 97 (Uncle Ernie), Sun Alliance Novices Hurdle 83 (Sabin du Loir), Sun Alliance Chase 87 (Kildimo), Cheltenham Gold Cup 83 (Bregawn)

Grand National record : Thirteen rides 1983 Political Pop (7th), 1984 Ashley House (fell 15th), 1985 Hallo Dandy (fell 1st), 1986 Ballinacurra Lad (fell 26th), 1989 Bartes (pulled up 27th), 1990 Course Hunter (15th), 1991 Solidasarock (pulled up 21st), 1992 Rowlandsons Jewels (unseated rider 15th), 1994 Black Humour (fell 15th), 1995 Zetas Lad (unseated rider 3rd), 1997 Lo Stregone (pulled up 27th), 1998 Suny Bay (2nd), 1999 Suny Bay (13th)

Miscellaneous : Five rides in the Topham finishing second in 1996 on and third on 1995

Martin Brennan

Rode 322 winners between 1981 and 2000 (best season 31 wnners in 1993-94)

Grand National record : One ride 1988 Oyde Hills (refused 19th)

Miscellaneous : Two rides and two falls in the Topham.

Miss Charlotte Brew (14.06.55)

Made history by becoming the first woman to ride over the National fences when she partnered her mothers Baroney Fort to finish fourth in the 1976 Foxhunters. The following year she became the first woman to ride in the National on the same horse. She attracted huge media interest and even though the horse had absolutely no chance at all he equipped himself well and whilst he was tailed off throughout he nearly got round. Later that year Baroney Fort and Brew tried their hand at the Velka Pardubicka but they came to grief at one of the water jumps

Grand National record : Two rides 1977 Baroney Fort (refused 27th), 1982 Martinstown (unseated rider 3rd)

P.Brogan

Grand National record : One ride Vulture (refused 19th)

Miscellaneous : Two rides and two failures to finish in the Topham.

Mr Charlie Brooks (03.03.63)

Rode 30 winners as an amateur combining that role with assistant trainer to the legendary Fred Winter. On Winters enforced retirement following a stroke in 1987 he took over at Uplands and was one of the leading trainers over the next ten years training a total of 331 winners. His best horse was probably the popular grey Suny By who won the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup in 1997 and twice finished runner up in the National in 1997 and 1998. He quit the sport unexpectedly at the height of his career after the 1997-98 season.

Festival win : Christies Foxhunters Chase 87 (Observe)

Grand National record : One ride 1987 Insure (22nd & last)

Misellaneous : Refused in his only ride in the Foxunters in 1984

Mr P.Brookshaw

Grand National record : One ride 1978 Mickley Seabright (6th)

Alan Brown

As second jockey to the mighty Peter Easterby in the early eighties, this Geordie jockey was something of a supersub riding the likes of Sea Pigeon and Night Nurse when stable jockey Jonjo O`Neill was injured. Rode 238 winners between 1976 and 1986 with a best total of 45 in 1980-81 (while O`Neill was looking on from the sidelines). Became a trainer on retirement but quit after six seasons and now runs a successful horse transport business.

Major races won : Buchanon Whiskey Gold Cup 79 (Night Nurse), H & T Walker Chase 84 (Cybrandian), Fighting Fifth Hurdle 80 (Sea Pigeon), Massey Fergsuon Gold Cup 79 (Father Delaney), Schweppes Gold Trophy 79 (Within the Law), Racing Post Chase 80 (Father Delaney), Mildmay Chase 83 (Ryeman)

Festival wins : Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase 81 (Clayside), 83 (Ryeman)

Grand National record : Four rides 1980 Jimmy Miff (fell 22nd), 1981 My Friendly Cousin (pulled up 26th), 1984 The Drunken Duck (pulled up 17th), 1985 Onapromise (pulled up 19th)

Miscellaneous : Just one ride in the Topham in 1981 and it ended at the first fence.

Colin Brown

As first jockey to David Elsworth he was Desert Orchids first jockey until he retired on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival in 1988. He missed out on Desert Orchids first King George as he preferred the stables first string Coombs Ditch. By retiring when he did he missed out on the rest of Dessies King Georges and the Gold Cup. Ironically he also rode Little Polveir before his moment of glory. He has the distinction of being the only jockey to have finished twenty third in a National. Rode 291 winners with a best total of 45 in 1980-81.

Major races won : Fighting Fifth Hurdle 87 (Floyd), Tripleprint Gold Cup 85 (Combs Ditch), Bula Gurdle 86 (Floyd), Anthony Mildmay Peter Cazalet Memorial Chase 88 (Rhyme `n` Reason), Gainsborough Chase 87 (Desert Orchid), Peter Marsh Chase 85 (Combs Ditch), Embassy Premier Chase Final 83 (Combs Ditch), Racing Post Chase 84 (Toms Little Owl), 87 (Combs Ditch), Imperial Cup 85 (Floyd)

Festival wins : Sun Alliance Chase 81 (Lesley Brown), County Handicap Hurdle 85 (Floyd)

Grand National record : Seven rides 1981 Lord Gulliver (fell 13th), 1982 Artistic Prince (fell 1st), 1983 Artistic Prince (refused 19th), 1984 Canford Ginger (23rd & last), 1985 Never Tamper (pulled up 17th), 1986 Little Polveir (9th), 1987 Little Polveir (unseated rider 15th)

Miscellaneous : Failed to finish in two rides in the Topham.

website : www.colin-brown.co.uk

Dermot Browne (29.10.61)

It will not be his 167 winners as both a professional and amateur that he will be remembered for, his association with Michael Dickinson as rider of the fifth Dickinson horse in that magical Gold Cup of 1983 or the brilliant but ill fated hurdler Brownes Gazette. No - he will be remembered for his corruption by the drugs baron Brian Wright and his admitted doping of twenty three horses in 1990. This led to a ten year ban being imposed on him in 1992 which was extended by a further twenty years in 2002. It was once said that Wright corrupted a whole generation of National Hunt jockeys - Browne to my knowledge is the only one who got caught.

Major races won : Fighting Fifth Hurdle 84 (Brownes Gazette), Tingle Creek Chase 86 (Berlin), SGB Chase 83 (The Mighty Mac), Christmas Hurdle 84 (Brownes Gazette) Welsh Champion Hurdle 85 (Brownes Gazette)

Festival wins : Supreme Novices Hurdle 84 (Brownes Gazette), Kim Muir Memorial Challenge Cup 82 (Political Pop), Cathcart Chase Challenge Cup 84 (The Mighty Mac)

Grand National record : Three rides 1982 The Vintner (unseated rider 6th), 1986 Master Tercel (fell 10th), 1988 Eton Rouge (pulled up 21st)

John Bryan

Rode 79 winners between 1980 & 1991.

Grand National record: One ride 1986 Mount Oliver (fell 9th)

Miscellaneous : Four rides in the Topham finishing second on Eton Rouge in 1989.

John Burke (18.02.53 - 08.02.95)

Rode as first Jockey to Fred Rimell and won 196 races between 1974 and retirement in 1985. Best season 35 wins 1977-78.

Major races won : Charissma Gold Cup 74 (Rough House), 76 (Andy Pandy), SGB Chase 74 (Rough House), Great Yorkshire Chase 75 (Rough House), Welsh National 76 (Rag Trade), Eider Chase 84 (Lucky Vane), Game Spirit Chase 76 (Uncle Bing), Mildmay Chase 78 (Another Dolly), Grand National 76 (Rag Trade), Whitbread Gold Cup 77 (Andy Pandy)

Festival wins : Triumph Hurdle 78 (Connnaught Ranger), Cheltenham Gold Cup 76 (Royal Frolic)

Grand National record : Eleven rides 1974 Rough House (fell 8th), 1975 Rough House (fell 4th), 1976 RAG TRADE (WON), 1977 Andy Pandy (fell 22nd), 1978 Brown Admiral (10th), 1979 Royal Frolic (6th), 1980 Royal Frolic (refused 27th), 1982 Senator Maclacury (5th), 1983 Hot Tomato (fell 30th), 1984 Lucky Vane (4th), 1985 Lucky Vane (pulled up 10th)

Miscellaneous : Four rides and four completions in Topham. Best placing third in 1976 on The Pilgarlic. 

J P Byrne

Irish based amateur who will be remembered for his use of the whip during the 1981 Cheltenham Festival.

Festival win : Grand Annual Chase 83 (Churchfield Boy)

Grand National record : Two rides 1978 Harban (unseated rider 6th), 1982 Deer Mount (fell 3rd)

Miscellaneous : Two rides and two falls in the Topham.




C


Clive Candy

Best season 19 winners in 1978-79. Worked for Jim Old on retirement in 1982 but then moved from racing and after nine years as a driving instructor is now a bus driver.

Festival win : United Hunts Chase Cup 70 (Grey Sombrero)

Grand National record : Two rides 1978 Sadale VI (fell 4th), 1982 This Way (fell 8th)

Miscellaneous : Finished third on This Way in the 1981 Topham his only other ride over the nig fences.

Mr John Carden (08.01.37-11.07.10)

As a solicitor John was a hero of mine as I was young lad contemplating becoming a racing commentator or of a career in law. Watching Johns antics I thought to myself  "I could do that" - of course being over six foot with an addiction to crisps and chocolate it never happened. As for John, Cambridge double blue at athletics and lacrosse he ran marathons and initially raced motor cars against the likes of Jackie Stewart before a high speed accident at Silverstone led to his change of direction in his thirties. He never got very far in the National and I had the audacity to call him the least successful National rider in my other website. He continued to ride until May 1993 when he broke his neck in a fall in an amateur riders hurdle at Southwell. Suffering the dreaded hangmans break he was left a ventilated tetraplegic yet he bravely continued to practice law until his retirement in 2003. He died in July 11th 2010.

Grand national record : Five rides 1974 Huperade (hampered & unseated rider 8th), 1976 Huperade (unseated rider 1st), 1977 Huperade (fell 1st), 1981 Bryan Boru (refused 4th), 1982 Rathlek (unseated rider 1st)

Miscellaneous : Two rides and two falls in two the Foxhunters (one at the last fence)

Tommy Carmody

The leading Irish rider of the eighties who was attached to the powerful Dickinson stable between 1978 and 1981 winning 224 races in just three seasons. He had returned to Ireland by the time Michael was winning everything in sight so missed out on Silver Buck and Bregawns Gold Cups but to compensate he was Irish champion in 1985 and 1988. He retired on medical advice in 1992 following a fall at Naas.

Major races won : Buchanon Whiskey Gold Cup 78 (I`m A Driver), Edward Hanmer Memorial Chase 79 (Silver Buck), 80 (Silver Buck), King George VI Chase 78 (Gay Spartan), 79 (Silver Buck), 80 (Silver Buck), Mandarin Chase 78 (Tommy Joe), Embassy Premier Chase Final 79 (Silver Buck), Victor Chandler Chase 90 (Blitzkreig)

Festival wins : Supreme Novices Hurdle 80 (Slaney Idol), 83 (Buck House), Sun Alliance Novices Hurdle 78 (Miller Hill), Queen Mother Champion Chase 78 (Hilly Way), Stayers Hurdle 87 (Galmoy), 88 (Galmoy) - INTERESTING FACT - Tommy was successful on his first two rides at the Festival in 1978.

Grand National record : Eight rides Sandpit (fell 8th remounted pulled up), 1980 Prince Rock (refused & unseated rider 19th), 1984 Greasepaint (2nd), 1985 Greasepaint (4th), 1986 Greasepaint (10th), 1988 Lastofthebrownies (fell 28th), 1989 Lastofthebrownies (4th), 1990 Hungry Hur (pulled up 19th)

Mrs Joy Carrier

American amateur who in 1983 was given a good each way chance when partnering a former Irish Grand National winner. Sadly it was not to be

Grand National record : One ride 1983 King Spruce (fell 6th)

Miscellaneous : Rode in King Spruce in 1985 Topham falling at the Chair but it was third time lucky for the pair when they finished twelfth in the following years Foxhunters.

Bob Champion MBE (04.06.48)

What more can you say about Bobs heroic fightback from near terminal cancer and his wonderful victory on Aldaniti in 1981? He rode a total of 421 winners before retiring at the end of the 1981-82 season. For a short time he trained at Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk where his biggest win was the Royal Artillery Gold Cup. He also trained a winner over the National fences in 1995 when Pats Minstrel won a three runner John Parrett Chase at the Becher meeting. He gave up training in 1999 and has devoted all his time since then to raising money with the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.

Major races won : Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup 78 (Approaching), SGB Chase 80 (Henry Bishop), Eider Chase 69 (Highland Wedding), Whitbread Trial Chase 81 (Aldaniti), Grand National 81 (Aldaniti)

Grand National record : Ten rides 1971 Country Wedding (brought down 1st), 1972 Country Wedding (fell 9th) 1973 Hurricane Rock (6th), 1975 Manicou Bay (6th), 1976 Money Market (14th), 1977 Spittin Image (fell 1st), 1978 Shifting Gold (fell 10th), 1979 Purdo (fell 6th), 1981 Aldaniti (WON), 1982 Aldaniti (fell 1st)

Miscellaneous : Rode in Tophams finishing third in 1978 on Casamayor - his other ride ended on the floor.

Gareth Charles-Jones

88 winners to his credit (best season 24 in 1985-85).

Grand National record : One ride 1986 Rupertino (15th)

Clive Cox

His Aintree experience like his riding career was brief (just eight seasons before retiring in 1991) with 33 winners in 1985-86 his career best (68 winners in total). Now an extremely successful flat trainer based in Lambourn where he enjoyed his best season in 2009 with over fifty winners.

Grand National record : One ride 1988 Sacred Path (fell 1st)

Reg Crank

Enjoyed a long career in the saddle retiring in March 1990 after winning at Bangor. Rode 250 winners in total. Best season was 30 winners in 1982-83. Probably the best horse he rode was the Michael Oliver trained Master H who was an unlucky casualty in the 1978 National (his saddled slipped).

Festival win : Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase 76 (Roaring Wind), Sun Alliance Chase 86 (Cross Master)

Grand National record : Five rides 1974 Glenkiln (fell 19th), 1977 Forest King (5th), 1978 Master H (unseated rider 8th), 1986 Imperial Black (14th), 1979 Northern Bay (9th)

Miscellaneous : Finished third in the 1983 Topham on Kumbi but his other three rides in the race all fell.

Paul Croucher

His career was really taking off and he had just enjoyed his best season (50 winners) when he was killed in a car crash on his way home from Newbury races on 11th October 1988. Rode 140 winners in total. Survived a monumental blunder at second Bechers on his one ride (so bad that his mount finished the race with his sheepskin noseband over his mouth)

Major races won : Charterhouse Chase 88 (Aquilifer), Scottish Champion Hurdle 87 (Positive) 

Festival win : National Hunt Handicap Hurdle 88 (Aquilifer)

Grand National record : One ride 1988 Course Hunter (8th)

Miscellaneous : Finished unplaced on his one ride in the Topham in 1988.

Peter Cullis

This journeyman rider rode for nearly three decades. His story is wonderfully told in GO DOWN TO THE BEATEN.

Grand National record : One ride 1973 Mill Door (17th & last)

Miscellaneous : Rode in two Tophams in the sixties.

M.Cummins

Grand National record : One ride 1975 Spittin Image (unseated rider 6th)

Miscellaneous : One fall and one seventh place in two Topham rides.

Liam Cusack

Grand National record : Two rides 1989 Seeanden (fell 6th), 1994 Ebony Jane (4th)




D


Gerald Dartnall

Brother and assistant trainer to Vic Dartnall. Rode 19 winners between 1967 and 1976.

Grand National record : One ride 1970 On The Move (fell 3rd)

* My thanks to Chris Pitt for information on this jockey

Bob Davies

Champion jockey three times, sharing the title in 1968-69 (77 winners) and then outright in 1969-70 (91 winners his best total) and 1971-72 (89 winners).  He won the National in 1978 on Lucius, picking up the ride at the last minute as the intended jockey David Goulding was injured. Remarkably the same happened a year later when he stood in for Steve Smith-Eccles to take the ride on Zongalero and he nearly managed what would have been a very lucky and remarkable double finishing second. Rode a total of 911 winners before retirement in June 1982. He went into racing administration on retirement and is currently clerk of the course at Ludlow.

Major races won : Black & White Whiskey Gold Cup 69 (Cool Alibi), Mandarin Chase 79 (Zongalero), Anthony Mildmay Peter Cazalet Memorial Chase 74 (High Ken), Great Yorkshire Chase 81 (Tragus), Gainsborough Chase 81 (Tragus), Imperial Cup 70 (Solomon II)

Festival wins : Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup 69 (Specify), Spa Hurdle 71 (Clever Scot), Grand Annual Chase 74 (Dulwich)

Grand National record : Six rides 1973 Prophecy (8th), 1977 Duffle Coat (fell 1st), 1978 LUCIUS (WON), 1979 Zongalero (2nd), 1980 The Vintner (pulled up 17th), 1982 Royal Mail (fell 6th)

MIscellaneous : Only had one ride in the Topham finishing unplaced in 1980 but fell on former National winner Specify in the William Hill Grand National trial in the one-off autumn meeting in 1972

Hywel Davies (04.12.56)

One of the greatest post-war Welsh jockeys who I am glad to see is featured in a BBC Wales sporting hall of fame. Rode the reluctant Last Suspect at odds of 50-1 to win the 1985 National. I will always remember his post race interview with Des Lynam. When asked if winning the National was his ambition he replied "no 100 winners in a season and champion jockey". He never achieved that ambition as he was never champion (85 winners in 1984-85 was the best he achieved). Rode a total of 761 winners between 1977 and 1994. After he hung up his boots he worked for SC4 and was also racing manager for the Winning Line Partnership. His son James rode in the 2004 National. Further reading : "WELSH STEEPLECHASE JOCKEYS" (Brian Lee - 1993)

Major races won : Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup 89 (Ghofar), Racing Post Chase 83 (Manton Castle), Whitbread Gold Label Cup 86 (Beau Ranger), Topham Chase 83 (Tiepolino), Grand National 85 (Last Suspect), Whitbread Gold Cup 92 (Topsham Bay)

Festival Wins : Grand Annual Chase 90 (Katabatic), Queen Mother chase 90  (Barnbrook Again)

Grand National record : Ten rides 1981 Royal Stuart (unseated rider 20th), 1982 Tiepolino (refused 22nd), 1983 Spartan Missile (unseated rider 22nd), 1985 Last Suspect (WON), 1986 Last Suspect (pulled up 18th), 1988 Northern Bay (pulled up 21st), 1989 Friendly Henry (fell 11th), 1990 Uncle Merlin (unseated rider 22nd), 1991 Blue Dart (unseated rider 22nd), 1992 Ghofar (11th)

Miscellaneous : Just three rides in the Topham but he won it in 1983 on Tiepolino.

James H Davies

Rode 43 winners during his career. Not a jockey I know much about.

Festival win : County Handicap Hurdle 83 (Robin Wonder)

Grand National record : One ride 1983 Canford Ginger (brought down 15th remounted pulled up after 16th)

R F Davies

Best season 24 winners in 1976-77.

Grand National record : Two rides 1977 Saucey Belle (fell 22nd remounted 11th & last), 1979 Wayward Scot (fell 1st)

Miscellaneous : Two rides in the Topham.

Thomas Geraint Davies

Older brother of Hywel who rode 38 winners before he was forced to retire having suffered severe head injuries in a fall at Kempton in 1974. Became a blacksmith on retirement. He died of a heart attack in August 2002 aged fifty two.    

Grand National record : One ride 1972 Twigairy (pulled up 17th)

Tarnya Davis

37 winners under rules in a brief career.

Grand National record : One ride 1989 Numerate (pulled up 21st)

Ben de Haan (09.07.59)

Rode 237 winners between 1980 and 1993. Since retirement from the saddle he has been training in Lambourn.

Major races won : Tingle Creek Chase 80 (Stopped), Welsh National 82 (Corbiere), Grand National 83 (Corbiere)

Festival Wins : National Hunt Handicap Chase 87 (Gainsay), Grand Annual Chase 80 (Stopped), Sun Alliance Chase 90 (Garrison Savannah)

Grand National record : Ten rides 1981 Royal Exile (6th), 1982 Monty Python (refused 22nd), 1983 CORBIERE (WON), 1984 Corbiere (3rd), 1986 Corbiere (fell 4th), 1987 Corbiere (12th), 1988 Insure (unseated rider 20th), 1990 Team Challenge (11th), 1991 Team Challenge (refused & unseated rider 19th), 1992 Team Challenge (21st)

Miscellaneous : Only rode in two Tophams finishing in 1986 and falling in 1982.

Richard Dennard (21.06.44)

Attached to the famous Fairlawne stables of Peter Cazalet which are just up the road from me. His best season came in 1970-71 when he rode 33 winners. He rode the Queen Mothers two hundredth winner, Master Daniel at Worcester.

Grand National record : Two rides 1971 Beau Bob (unseated rider 22nd), 1972 Even Delight (pulled up 15th)

Miscellaneous : Rode in one Topham failing to finish. His greatest victory came in the one-off Autumn meeting when he rode the Queen Mothers Inch Arran to victory in the BP Chase over the famous obstacles.

Michael Dickinson (03.02.50)

It is not his career in the saddle (which netted 378 wins) for which he will be remembered but his brilliant training career which lasted just four seasons between 1980 and 1984 during which time he smashed all training records. His two most amazing feats were sending out a record twelve winners on Boxing Day 1982 and training the first five home in the 1983 Gold Cup which is widely regarded as the greatest training feat ever. Perhaps thereafter there was nothing left for him to prove over the sticks as he turned his back on the sport, training briefly for Robert Sangster before emigrating to the USA in 1987. His major achievement in the States was sending out Da Hoss to win the 1996 and 1998 Breeders Cup Mile.

Major races won : Great Yorkshire Chase 72 (Slaves Dream), Greenall Whitley Handicap Chase 71 (Rainbow Valley), Mildmay Chase 74 (Winter Rain), Scottish Champion Hurdle 74 (Santon Brig)

Festival wins : National Hunt Handicap Chase 73 (The Chisler), Kim Muir Memorial Cup 70 (Rainbow Valley), Sun Alliance Chase 77 (Gay Spartan), National Hunt Chase 68 (Fascinating Forties), Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup 76 (Broncho II)

Grand National record : Two rides 1976 High Ken (fell 4th), 1977 Winter Rain (fell 6th)

Miscellaneous : Completed the course in two Tophams.

Mr William Dixon-Stroud Jnr

American amateur who rode Bewleys Hill to triumph in the most prestigious timber race in the US, the Maryland Hunt Cup in 1984. Things did not work out for him at Aintree and he ended up with a broken nose for his trouble.

Grand National record : One ride 1987 Bewleys Hill (brought down 6th)

Mr John Docker

Grand National record : One ride 1977 Burrator (fell 3rd)

Miscellaneous : Not a great record at Aintree as his one other ride in the 1977 Foxhunters ended at the first fence.

Kevin Doolan (28.07.62)

Rode 58 winners in the UK and later rode in America.

Grand National record : Three rides 1984 Kumbi (unseated rider 19th), 1985 Kumbi (fell 5th), 1986 Dudie (unseated rider 3rd remounted fell 6th)

Miscellaneous : Finished tenth on his one ride in the Topham in 1985.

Philip Double

Aldanitis stable lad. Rode 72 winners between 1980 and 1987.

Grand National record : One ride 1983 Sydney Quinn (unseated rider 15th)

Neale Doughty (20.10.57)

Rode 598 winners between 1978 and 1995 - went out on a winner at Kelso. He now works away from racing renovating and developing old houses. He had an excellent record in the National only failing to complete once. Further reading "WELSH STEEPLECHASE JOCKEYS" (Brian Lee)

major races won : Mackeson Gold Cup 83 (Pounentes), AF Budge Gold Cup 89 (Clever Folly), Peter Marsh Chase 92 (Twin Oaks), Reynoldstown Novices Chase 94 (One Man), Greenalls Gold Cup 91 (Twin Oaks), Mildmay Chase 84 (Noddys Ryde)

Festival wins : National Hunt Handicap Chase 81 (Current Gold), Cathcart Challenge Cup 81 (Lord Greystoke)

Grand National record : Nine rides 1982 Current Gold (5th), 1983 Hallo Dandy (4th), 1984 HALLO DANDY (WON), 1986 Hallo Dandy (12th), 1988 Friendly Henry (6th), 1989 Galas Image (7th), 1990 Rinus (3rd), 1991 Rinus (fell 20th), 1992 Twin Oaks (5th)

Miscellaneous : Rode in three Tophams finishing second in 1991 on The Antartex. His first ride on Man Alive in 1983 was unusual as the horse ran out three fences from home when in a clear lead.

Mr Jim Dreaper (30.01.51)

The son of the trainer of Arkle who took over his fathers licence in 1972 which meant he had to call time on his riding career. Saddled Brown Lad to win three Irish Grand Nationals in the seventies and Ten Up to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup in the Arkle colours in 1975. Further reading : "GO DOWN TO THE BEATEN (Chris Pitt)

Grand National record : One ride 1971 Black Secret (2nd)

Mr A "Sandy" Dudgeon (16.05.57)

Scottish amateur.

Major races won : Eider Chase 87 (Peaty Sandy), Foxhunters Chase 84 (Gayle Warning)

Grand National record : One ride 1986 Gayle Warning (17th & last)

Miscellaneous : Enjoyed great success in the Foxhunters finishing third in 1982, second in 1983 and winning at the third attempt in 1984. 

Mr P.Duggan

Amateur who combined race riding with working on oil rigs.

Grand National record : Four rides 1979 Dromore (refused 22nd), 1980 Dromore (pulled up 27th), 1981 Dromore (refused 12th continued refused 15th), 1983 Beech King (unseated rider 6th)

Miscellaneous : Did manage to complete the course in the 1981 Foxhunters on his only other ride over the National fences.

T "Geordie " Dun

Champion amateur in 1978-79 with 28 winners he was no mean professional either and was the first jockey to win over fences on future Gold cup winner Bregawn. Forged a successful partnership with the popular staying chaser Peaty Sandy. Rode 187 winners before the weight got too much and became a steward on retirement.

Major race won : Welsh National 81 (Peaty Sandy)

Festival wins : Stayers Hurdle 83 (A Kinsman), Sun Alliance Chase 84 (A Kinsman)

Grand National record : Four rides 1981 Three to One (4th), 1982 Rambling Jack (fell 1st), 1983 Peaty Sandy (6th), 1984 Silent Valley (pulled up 26th),

Richard Dunwoody

Beat Peter Scudamores record of winners with 1,699. He was champion jockey in 1992-93, 1993-94 and 1994-95. Rode with great success firstly for David Nicholson and then enjoyed a slightly uneasy relationship with Martin Pipe after Scudamores retirement. He ended his career as a freelance and rode abroad many times. Rode a then record of eighteen winners at the Festival including the Gold Cup in 1988 on Charter Party and the Champion Hurdle on Kribensis in 1990. He rode winners at every racecourse in the UK except Catterick and Bellewestown and Wexford in Ireland. An injury to his arm led to him reluctantly calling time on his career in 1999 and for several years he turned his back on racing in his pursuit of other challenges. He has appeared recently on Grand National grandstand and still regularly makes the trip to Pardubice in October (a race he twice rode in during the nineties). Further reading : "OBSESSED" (Richard Dunwoody - Headline Books 2000)

Major races won : Charlie Hall Chase 96 (One Man), Mackeson Gold Cup 86 (Very Promising), 91 (Another Coral), 96 (Challenger du Luc),  H & T Walker Gold Cup 86 (Church Warden), First national Bank Gold Cup 95 (Sound Man), 97 (Simply Dashing), Tingle Creek Chase 85 (Lefrak City), 91 (Waterloo Boy), 92 (Waterloo Boy), 95 (Sound Man), 96 (Sound Man), Long Walk Hurdle 87 (Bluff Cove), 96 (Princeful), Betterware Cup 95 (Unguided Missile), Feltham Novices Chase 90 (Sparkling Flame), 91 (Mutare), King George VI Chase 89 (Desert Orchid), 95 (One Man), 96 (One Man), Christmas Hurdle 88 (Kribensis), 89 (Kribensis), 92 (Mighty Mogul), Rowland Meyrick Chase 86 (The Thinker), Welsh National 93 (Riverside Boy), Anthony Mildmay Peter Cazalet Memorial Chase 85 (West Tip), 89 (Mr Frisk), Victor Chandler Chase 92 (Waterloo Boy), 94 (Viking Flagship), Pillar Property Chase 97 (One Man), Cleeve Hurdle 94 (Flakey Dove), Gainsborough Chase 88 (Charter Party), AGFA Diamond Chase 91 (Desert Orchid), 94 (Second Schedule), Comet Chase 96 (Sound Man), Greenalls Gold Cup 90 (Rinus), Game Spirit Chase 88 (Very Promising), Tote Gold Trophy 89 (Grey Salute), Racing POst Chase 90 (Desert Orchid), 96 (Rough Quest), 99 (Dr Leunt), Martell Cup Chase 91 (Aquilifer), 94 (Docklands Express), Topham Chase 86 (Glenrue), 90 (Won`t Be Gone Long), 92 (The Antartex), Melling Chase 92 (Remittance Man),  Aintree Hudle 88 (Celtic Chief), 92 (Morley Street), Grand National 86 (West Tip), 94 (Miinnehoma), Scottish Champion Hurdle 96 (Alderbrooke), 98 (Blowing Wind), 99 (Fadalko), Whitbread Gold Cup 93 (Topsham Bay), 95 (Cache Fleur)

Festival Wins : Arkle Challenge Trophy 89 (Waterloo Boy), 91 (Remittance Man), 96 (Ventana Canyon), Champion Hurdle 90 (Kribensis), National Hunt Handicap Chase 85 (West Tip), 90 (Bigsun), Grand Annual Chase 87 (French Union), Sun Alliance Novices Hurdle 92 (Thetford Forest), 97 (Hanakhan), Corlal Golden Hurdle Final 85 (Von Trappe), Sun Alliance Chase 98 (Florida Pearl), Festival Bumper 92 (Montelado), 97 (Florida Pearl), Triumph Hurdle 88 (Kribensis), 98 (Paddys Return), Cheltenham Gold Cup 88 (Charter Party), County Handicap Hurdle 93 (Thumbs Up)

Grand National record :  Fourteen rides 1985 West Tip (fell 22nd), 1986 WEST TIP (WON), 1987 West Tip (4th), 1988 West Tip (4th), 1989 West Tip (2nd), 1990 Bigsun (6th), 1991 Bigsun (pulled up 25th), 1992 Brown Windsor (fell 6th), 1994 MIINNEHOMA (WON), 1995 Miinnehoma (pulled up 21st), 1996 Superior Finish (3rd), 1997 Smiths Band (fell 20th), 1998 Samlee (3rd), 1999 Call It A Day (3rd)

Miscellaneous : Rode in 11 Tophams and he holds the record for the most wins - three (all on outsiders) Glenrue (1986), Won`t Be Gone Long (1990) and The Antartex (1992). He also completed the course in two Becher Chases.

Mark Dwyer

Rode mainly in the north of England for Jimmy Fitzgerald and rode 801 winners with a best season 91 winners in 1989-90. He was forced to retire in 1997 due to a shoulder injury. On retirement worked as an agent for Goffs and set up Oak Farn Stables in Malton which breaks in young horses and prepares them for the sales.

Major races won : Charlie Hall Chase 86 (Forgive `n` Forget), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup 85 (Gaye Brief), SGB Chase 84 (Canny Danny), Edward Hanmer Memorial Chase 85 (Forgive `n` Forget), 86 (Forgive `n` Forget), Rowland Meyrick Chase 84 (Forgive `n` Forget), Charterhouse Chase 89 (Prod Pilgrim), Victor Chandler Chase 93 (Sybilin), Peter Marsh Chase 93 (Jodami), Scottish Grand National 84 (Androma), 85 (Androma), 96 (Moorcroft Boy)

Festival Wins : Supreme Novices Hurdle 95 (Tourist Attraction), Arkle Challenge Trophy 88 (Danish Flight), Champion Hurdle 93 (Flakey Dove), Coral Golden Hurdle Final 83 (Forgive `n` Forget), 91 (Danny Connors),  Coral Cup 96 (Trainglot), Festival Bumper 96 (Dato Star), Cheltenham Gold Cup 85 (Forgive `n` Forget), 93 (Jodami)

Grand National record : Four rides 1986 Knock Hill (pulled up 23rd), 1988 Bucko (pulled up 26th), 1991 Auntie Dot (3rd), 1992 Auntie Dot (16th)

Miscellaneous : Amazingly he never fell over the National fences. He rode in five Tophams, completing twice and pulling up three times.

Website :www.oaksfarmstables.co.uk




E


Mr John Edwards

Grand National record : One ride 1977 High Ken (brought down 1st)

P.Ennis

Grand National record : One ride 1971 Craigbrook (fell 1st)

Miscellaneous : Fell in his one ride in the Topham.

H "James" Evans

Younger brother of Richard - rode 67 winners in a short career of just eight seasons. Later studied estate management and became a chartered surveyor. Further reading : "GO DOWN TO THE BEATEN" (Chris Pitt)

Grand National record : Two rides 1978 Lean Forward (13th), 1979 Red Earl (refused 28th)

Richard R Evans

Rode his first winner at Towcester in October 1965 and rode until 1980. Best season 36 winners in 1975-76. Further reading : "GO DOWN TO THE BEATEN" (Chris Pitt)

Festival win : Golden Hurdle Final 76 (Good Prospect)

Grand National record : Seven rides 1971 Brians Best (brought down 1st), 1972 Permit (unseated rider 24th), 1973 Proud Percy (fell 15th), 1974 The Tunku (pulled up 17th), 1977 The Pilgarlic (4th), 1978 The Pilgarlic (5th), 1979 The Pilgarlic (4th)

Miscellaneous : Two rides in the Topham yielded no success.




F


Mr Charlie Fenwick

American banker who won ten American Grand Nationals and five Maryland Hunt Cups over timber in the States. Rode in all of Ben Nevis` races between 1979 and 1980.

Major race won : Grand National 80 (Ben Nevis)

Grand National record : Two rides 1979 Ben Nevis (brought down 15th), 1980 BEN NEVIS (WON)

Penny Ffitch-Hayes (26.10.63)

29 winners between 1984 and 1990 she was the brave girl who rode Hettinger, one of the worst jumpers ever to face the Aintree fences. She was sponsored by City Index who were to pay £500 for every fence negotiated successfully - they did not have to pay out a penny.

Grand National record : One ride 1988 Hettinger (fell 1st) 

Mark Floyd (30.05.53)

Played understudy to the great John Francome so rarely hit the big time. His best season was 1978-79 when he rode 34 winners.

Major race won : Stones Ginger Wine Chase 76 (Black Andrew)

Grand National record : One ride 1978 Nereo (14th)

Micky Flynn

Won the 1986 Irish Grand National on Insure

Grand National record : One ride 1987 Hi Harry (pulled up 18th)

Brian Forsey (14.03.53)

Had his first ride under rules at the age of sixteen and rode over 100 winners both as an amateur and professional. Has resumed training in Somerset following a break from racing when he studied antique restoration and fine art valuation.

Grand National record : One ride 1976 Colondine (15th)

website : www.threeoaksracing.co.uk        

Mr John Fowler

Top Irish amateur now trainer. His sole success in the UK would have left him with mixed emotions as he trained Opera Hat to win the 1998 Melling Chase, the race in which One Man was killed. In his native Ireland he trained Maid of Money to win the Irish Grand National in 1989.

Major race won : Topham Trophy 79 (Arctic Ale)

Festival win : National Hunt Chase 79 (Arctic Ale)

Grand National record : One ride 1971 Miss Hunter (unseated rider 15th)

Miscellaneous : As well as winning it in 1979 he fell in the Topham in 1975.

John Francome (13.12.52)

John McCririck calls him "greatest jockey" and whilst Messrs Scudamore, Dunwoody and McCoy subsequently broke (and in the case of McCoy smashed) his records there has never been anyone who rode with such style. Francome was the champion when I first started watching racing and his partnership with the likes of Lanzarote and Bula will always have a special place in my racing memories. For the record he won seven jockeys titles (one shared with Scudamore) and a rode total of 1,138 winners (then a record). He rode over a hundred winners five times with a best total 120 in 1981-82. He promptly retired on Easter Monday 1985 after being unseated and hung up in the stirrups by The Reject who had done exactly the same thing to him in the Arkle Trophy a month earlier. He trained for eighteen months but it did not really suit him and he became a presenter on Channel Four Racing (in my humble opinion he made them watchable after some pretty poor years in the eighties). He has also forged an extremely successful career as a writer of racing thrillers with twenty five published since 1986. Further reading : "BORN LUCKY" - John Francome (Pelham Books - 1985)

Major races won : Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup 83 (Brown Chamberlain), 84 (Burrough Hill Lad), Sundew Chase 75 (Bula), 76 (Bula), Tingle Creek Chase 81 (News King), 82 (News King), Tripleprint Gold Cup 82 (Observe), Edward Hanmer Memorial Chase 81 (Silver Buck), Long Walk Hurdle 75 (Lanzarote), 80 (Derring Rose), SGB Chase 77 (Midnight Court), Christmas Hurdle 75 (Lanzarote), 80 (Celtic Ryde),  King George VI Chase 82 (Wayward Lad), 84 (Burrough Hill Lad), Welsh National 80 (Narvik), 83 (Burrough Hill Lad), Mandarin Chase 83 (Observe), Anthony Mildmay Peter Cazalet Memorial Chase 84 (Burrough Hill Lad), Embassy Premier Chase Final 76 (Floating Pound), 78 (The Dealer), Great Yokshire Chase 82 (Bregawn), Stones Ginger Wine Chase 77 (Uncle Bing), Gainsborough Chase 78 (Master H), 83 (Observe), 84 (Burrough Hill Lad), 85 (Burrough Hill Lad), Reynoldstown Novices Chase 77 (Lanzarote), 81 (Little Owl), Game Spirit Chase 82 (News King), Schweppes Gold Trophy 82 (Donegal Prince), Imperial Cup 80 (Prayukta), Whitbread Gold Label Cup 85 (Wayward Lad), Topham Chase 80 (Uncle Bing)

Festival wins : Champion Hurdle 81 (Sea Pigeon), Stayers Hurdle 81 (Derring Rose), Grand Annual Chase 81 (Friendly Alliance), Coral Golden Hurdle Final 84 (Canio), Sun Alliance Chase 75 (Pengrail), 82 (Brown Chamberlain), Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup 77 (Uncle Bing), Cheltenham Gold Cup 78 (Midnoght Court), National Hunt Handicap Chase 75 (King Flame), Cathcart Challenge Cup Chase 79 Roller-Coaster), 83 (Observe)

Grand National record : Ten rides 1972 Cardinal Error (refused 3rd), 1975 Rag Trade (10th & last), 1976 Golden Rapper (fell 22nd), 1978 Lord Browndodd (7th), 1979 Rough and Tumble (3rd), 1980 Rough and Tumble (2nd), 1981 So (10th), 1982 Rough and Tumble (refused & unseated rider 22nd), 1984 Grittar (10th), 1985 Drumlargan (pulled up 21st)

Miscellaneous : Only rode in five Tophams winning in 1980 on Uncle Bing widely considered the best performance over the National fences away from the National. He also finished second in 1977 on Lord Browndodd.

Jimmy Frost (31.07.58)

West country rider who won 475 winners between 1981 and 2002. Took up training on retirement and his first runner Bohill Lad was a winner at Exeter. It was also his last ever ride. He holds the record as the youngest ever rider in a point to point when aged just thirteen he rode Doctor Fred to win the maiden at the Cornwall Hunt in March 1972. Further reading : "TOUCHED BY FROST" - Jimmy Frost (with Lucy Johnson) (Highdown - 2003)

Major races won : Cleeve Hurdle 91 (Crystal Spirit), Aintree Hurdle 90 (Morley Street), 91 (Morley Street), Grand National 89 (Little Polveir)

Grand National record :  Four rides 1989 LITTLE PLOVEIR (WON), 1990 Torside (pulled up 6th), 1991 Bumbles Folly (pulled up 21st), 1999 St Mellion Fairway (9th)

Miscellaneous : Only rode in one Topham in 1989 finishing fourth.

Festival Wins : Supreme Novices Hurdle 90 (Forest Sun), Champion Hurdle 91 (Morley Street), Sun Alliance Novices Hurdle 91 (Crystal Spirit)



Martin Gibson

Grand National record : One ride 1971Copperless (fell 6th)

Padge Gill (19.05.55)

Irish based jockey who listed his tumble on Royal Appointment in 1985 as the highlight of his career

Grand National record : Two rides 1985 Royal Appointment (unseated rider 21st), 1987 Smartside (unseated rider 1st)

Jeremy Glover (23.09.44)

Best season 54 wins (1974-75). Became a trainer on retirement based in Nottinghamshire. Particularly specialized in handicaps on the flat saddling the winner of the Cambridgeshire four times.

Grand National record : Four rides 1974 Beau Bob (unseated rider 11th), 1975 Beau Bob (fell 22nd), 1976 Ceol-Na-Mara (5th), 1977 Willy What (fell 1st)

Miscellaneous : Three rides in the Topham finishing second on Rainbow Patch in 1974

Ray Goldstein (01.06.52)

The king of Plumpton. I remember cheering him on as teenager when bunking off school in the sixth form on those magical mid-week fixtures in the mid eighties. He was leading jockey at the wonderful Sussex track for years and roughly one-third of his 186 winners came there. His best total was 32 wins in 1988-89 the year he had his only ride over the National fences. Sons Marc and Jamie are both jump jockeys. Further reading : "GO DOWN TO THE BEATEN" (Chris Pitt)

Grand National record : One ride 1989 Hettinger (fell 6th)

David Goulding

"Gipsy Dave" had a reputation for "holding" his horses up until the last minute. Associated with the brilliant but ill fated hurdler Ekbalco. He missed out on Lucius` National victory in 1978 through injury. Is fellow National rider Liam Coopers uncle. Best season 52 winners (1977-78)

Major race won : Charlie Hall Chase 76 (Current Gold), Fighting Fifth Hurdle 81 (Ekbalco), Rowland Meyrick Chase 78 (Rambling Artist), Imperial Cup 81 (Ekbalco), Welsh Champion Hurdle 83 (Royal Vulcan)

Festival win : County Handicap Hurdle 71 (Carry Off)

Grand National record : Two rides Lord of the Hills (pulled up 19th), 1979 Rambling Artist (brought down 15th)

Miscellaneous : Just one ride in the Topham (fell in 1980)

Mr Marcus Graffe

Swiss amateur.

Grand National record : One ride 1981 Drumroan (unseated rider 9th)

G.Graham

Grand National record : One ride 1978 Silkstone (fell 8th remounted refused 11th)

Chris Grant  (14.10.56)

As tough as they came - "Rambo" as he was known in the weighing room. Rode for Denys Smith and then Arthur Stephenson and partnered 790 winners between 1977 and 1994. His highest total was 94 wins in 1989-90. He never won a race over the National fences but my god he came close. Took up training on retirement although he is yet to saddle a National runner. Further reading : "GO DOWN TO THE BEATEN" (Chris Pitt)

Major races won : Charlie Hall Chase 87 (Cybrandian), H & T Walker Gold Cup 90 (Blazing Walker), Rowland Meyrick Chase 80 (Sunset Christo), Greenall Whitley Chase 81 (Sunset Christo), 84 (Midnight Love), Mildmay Chase 88 (Jim Thorpe), Melling Chase 91 (Blazing Walker), Scottish Grand National 91 (Killone Abbey)

Festival win : Sun Alliance Novices Hurdle 85 (Harry Hastings)

Grand National record : Twelve rides 1980 Flashy Bpy (fell 24th), 1981 The Vintner (refused 19th), 1984 Midnight Love (fell 6th), 1985 Captain Parkhill (11th), 1986 Young Driver (2nd), 1987 Why Forget (19th), 1988 Durham  Edition (2nd), 1989 Durham Edition (5th), 1990 Durham Edition (2nd), 1991 Durham Edition (6th), 1992 Stay On Tracks (9th), 1994 He Who Dares Wins (pulled up 17th)

..and finally, the Tuesday at Cheltenham...

http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?nid=GGgVawPscysC&dat=19630312&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

(p9)

..sees him with 2 mounts - Forty Secrets in the National Hunt handicap chase, and the top one in the last race, the Gloucestershire Hurdle - hard to make out the name, but it looks like Deetease.


Also on that card with 2 rides is Tom McGinley, a scot who emigrated to Australia the following year, and became Crisp's rider over there before that horse was handicapped out of things and shipped to England. (There's a post further down the forum by Anaglog's Daughter, quoting a piece from an Aussie newspaper recently by Tom's son, talking about Crisp).

M "Taffy" Salaman

Combined training with riding in the latter stages of his career. Saddled Churchtown Boy to win the 1977 Topham Trophy and then to chase home Red Rum in the National three days later.

Festival win : Grand Annual Chase 74 (Dulwich)

Grand National record : Three rides 1974 Sixer (brought down 4th), 1976 Churchtown Boy (11th), 1979 Churchtown Boy (brought down 22nd)

Mr C "Dick" Saunders (28.07.33 - 01.02)

Amateur rider and farmer who in 1982 became the oldest rider to win the National at the age of forty eight steering favourite Grittar to victory. During his post race interview with the BBCs David Coleman he announced his immediate retirement from race riding. Elected to the Jockey Club in 1981 he was chairman of the Licencing committee and senior steward at seven racecourses including Aintree. He died from cancer in 2002.

Major race won : Foxhunters Chase 81 (Grittar), Grand National 82 (Grittar)

Festival win: National Hunt Chase 77 (Alpenstock), Christies Foxhunters Chase 81 (Grittar)

Grand National record : One ride 1982 GRITTAR (WON)

Miscellaneous : Rode in six Foxhunters between 1970 and 1981 finishing second and third in addition to his win on Grittar in 1981. When he finished second in 1970 he fell and was remounted twice

Peter Scudamore (13.06.58)

When he rode 221 winners during the 1988-89 season it was such a staggering performance that no-one could have possibly thought such a feat could ever be repeated....and then came Tony McCoy. Scudamore was a phenomenon during the eighties and early nineties. As first jockey to Martin Pipe he was champion jockey (a then record) eight times, sharing the title with John Francome in 1981-82 and then seven times between from 1985-86 to 1991-92. He won a then record of 1,678 winners including his last ever ride on Sweet Duke at Ascot in April 1993 the week after the void National. He won everything there was to win yet the Gold Cup and National eluded him. Ironically perhaps his best chance of National success (on Captain Dibble) had come and gone with the void National a few days before his retirement. Had he continued riding for one more season he would have partnered Miinnehoma to victory in 1994. On retirement he combined the role of assistant trainer to business partner Nigel Twiston-Davies with that of paddock commentator for the BBC. No longer with the BBC he now is assistant to his partner, Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell.

Major races won : Charlie Hall Chase 89 (Celtic Shot), Mackeson Gold Cup 88 (Pegwell Bay), H & T Walker Chase 85 (Very Promising), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup 88 (Strands of Gold), 91 (Chatham), Edward Hanmer Chase 87 (Beau Ranger), 88 (Beau Ranger), Long Walk Hurdle 86 (Out of the Gloom), Feltham Novices Chase 92 (Dakyns Boy), Christmas Hurdle 86 (Nohalmdun), Welsh National 85 (Run and Skip), 88 (Bonanza Boy), 91 (Carvills Hill), Anthony Mildmay Peter Cazalet Memorial 86 (Run and Skip), Embassy Premier Chase Final 86 (Very Promising), Charter Mercantile Chase 91 (Celtic Shot), Gainsborough Chase 86 (Burrough Hill Lad), Reynoldstown Novices Chase 86 (Bolands Cross), 93 (Capability Brown), Game Spirit Chase 87 (Pearlyman), Racing Post Chase 81 (Sugarally), 89 (Bonanza Boy), Imperial Cup 89 (Travel Mystery), 93 (Olympian), Midlands Grand National 91 (Bonanza Boy), Aintree Hurdle 85 (Bajan Sunshine), Welsh Champion Hurdle 89 (Celtic Shot), Scottish Champion Hurdle 83 (Royal Vulcan), 84 (Rushmoor), 92 (Granville Again), Scottish Grand National 87 (Little Polveir), 92 (Captain Dibble), Swinton Insurance Hurdle 84 (Bajan Sunshine)

Festival wins : Champion Hurdle 88 (Celtic Shot), 93 (Granville Again), National Hunt Handicap Chase 86 (Charter Party), Sun Alliance Novices Hurdle 90 (Regal Ambition), Queen Mother Chase 87 (Pearlyman), Sun Alliance Chase 91 (Rolling Ball), 92 (Miinnehoma), 93 (Young Hustler), Coral Cup 93 (Olympian), Triumph Hurdle 86 (Solar Cloud), Cathcart Chase Challenge Cup 87 (Half Free), 91 (Chatham), Grand Annual Chase 89 (Pukka Major)

Grand National record : Twelve rides 1981 Cheers (12th & last), 1982 Tragus (6th), 1983 Fortinas Express (pulled up 26th), 1984 Burnt Oak (pulled up 23rd), 1985 Corbiere (3rd), 1986 Broomy Bank (6th), 1987 Plundering (16th), 1988 Strands of Gold (fell 22nd), 1989 Bonanza Boy (8th), 1990 Bonanza Boy (16th), 1991 Bonanza Boy (5th), 1992 Docklands Express (4th)

Miscellaneous : Rode in thirteen Tophams finishing third on Pan Arctic in 1987.

Further Reading : "SCUDAMORE ON STEEPLECHASING" - Peter Scudamore with Alan Lee (Partridge Press 1988), "SCUDAMORE`S YEAR, THE NATIONAL HUNT SEASON 1988-89" - Alan Lee (Stanley Paul & Co 1989), "SCU" - Peter Scudamore (Headline Book Publishing 1993), 

Adrian Sharpe

Didn`t get too many opportunities in the UK but he won 15 races in Norway between 1983 and 1987 and won the 1983 Swedish Grand National on the Norwegian trained Jastrzebiec. Became a stipendiary steward on retirement.

Grand National record : Two rides 1984 Pilot Officer (refused 19th), 1986 Ten Cherries (fell 10th)

Miscellaneous : Fell at the first in his only ride in the Foxhunters (1981)

Mrs LInda Sheedy

Became the first woman to ride in the Welsh National in 1980 and a year later became only the third woman to ride in the National. She later made history in 1984 by becoming the first (and so far only) woman to compete in the Cheltenham Gold Cup when she partnered 500-1 outsider Foxbury. Sadly she died of a brain haemorrhage on 1st March 2010 aged just fifty seven.

Grand National record : One ride 1981 Deiopea (refused 19th)

Brendan Sheridan

Irish jockey who won the Irish Grand National in 1988 on Perris Valley.

Festival win : Triumph Hurdle 90 (Rare Holiday)

Grand National record : Two rides 1989 Perris Valley (refused & unseated rider 11th), 1994 Lauras Beau (fell 6th)

Miscellaneous : Two rides in the Topham yielded no success.

Mr Oliver Sherwood (23.03.55)

Rode with great success as an amateur. Rode 90 wins under rules and was champion amateur in 1979-80. Took out a trainers licence in 1984 and has trained over 800 winners including six at the Cheltenham  winners. Trained 1988 National favourite Sacred Path (who fell at the first). He trains at the same yard that Reg Hobbs sent out Battleship to win the 1938 National

Major race won : Foxhunters Chase 80 (Rolls Rambler)

Festival wins : Sun Alliance Novices Hurdle 79 (Venture to Cognac), Christies Foxhunters Chase 80 (Rolls Rambler), 84 (Venture to Cognac)

Grand National record : One ride 1983 Venture to Cognac (8th)

Miscellaneous : Rode in three Foxhunters winning in 1980 and completed the course every time to join the Aintree 100 % club.

website : www.oliversherwood.co.uk

Simon Sherwood (19.03.58)

Only rode for eight seasons as an amateur and professional yet won 350 winners in total and of course forged an amazingly successful partnership with Desert Orchid on whom he famously won nine out of ten races. Took out a trainers licence on retirement. His biggest success in that field was winning the Triumph Hurdle in 1992 with Duke of Monmouth.

Major races won : Fighting Fifth Hurdle 88 (Floyd), Tingle Creek Chase 88 (Desert Orchid), King George VI Chase 86 (Desert Orchid), 88 (Desert Orchid), Gainsborough Chase 89 (Desert Orchid), Game Spirit Chase 89 (Mr Key), Chivas Regal Cup Chase 88 (Desert Orchid), Topham Chase 89 (Villierstown), Scottish Champion Hurdle 89 (Aldino), Whitbread Gold Cup 86 (Plundering), 88 (Desert Orchid)

Festival wins : Sun Alliance Novices Hurdle 87 (The West Awake), 88 (Rebel Song), Queen Mother Chase 89 (Barnbrook Again), Sun Alliance Chase 88 (The West Awake), Kim Muir Memorial Chase 85 (Glyde Court), Cheltenham Gold Cup 89 (Desert Orchid), Cathcart Case Challenge Cup 86 (Half Free)

Grand National record : Four rides 1985 Musso (pulled up 19th), 1986 Plundering (fell 8th), 1988 Border Burg (pulled up 29th), 1989 The Thinker (3rd)

MIscellaneous : Won 1989 John Hughes on Villierstown in 1989 and was second in the same race in 1988 on Pan Arctic. Rode in one Foxhunters in 1984 finishing seventh.

Further reading :  "NINE OUT OF TEN" (Lambourn Press 1989)

S.Shields

Grand National record : One ride 1975 Southern Quest (7th)

Bill Shoemark

One time part-owner of a fish and chip shop with John Francome.

Major race won : Whitbread Gold Cup 73 (Grey Sombrero)

Grand National record : Two rides 1972 The Inventor (refused 11th), 1973 Grey Sombrero (fell 15th)

Bryan Smart

Jenny Pitman`s first stable jockey between 1973 and 1981. Became a jockey club starter on retirement from the saddle.

Major races won : Massey Ferguson Gold Cup 80 (Bueche Giorod), Royal Doulton Handicap Hurdle 81 (Gaye Chance)

Festival win : Foxhunters Chae 76 (False Note)

Grand National record : Three rides 1977 The Songwriter (pulled up 22nd), 1978 The Songwriter (8th), 1979 Kintai (hampered & fell 15th)

Miscellaneous : A fall and an unplaced in two Topham attempts.

Craig Smith

Rode 207 winners between 1975 & 1990 (best season 24 winners in both 1977-78 & 1979-80)

Major race won : Mackeson Gold Cup 78 (Bawnogues), Edward Hanmer Memorial Chase 78 (Bawnogues), Greenall Whitley Chase 82 (Scot Lane)

Festival wins : National Hunt Handicap Chase 82 (Scot Lane), 83 (Scot Lane)

Grand National record : Two rides 1985 Scot Lane (8th), 1986 St Alezan (brought down 23rd)

Miscellaneous : Finished unplaced in sole ride in the Topham in 1979.

Bill Smith

Succeeded David Mould as the Queen Mothers first jockey. Rode with great success for both Fred Rimell and Faulke Walwyn. Rode exactly 500 winners before retiring after riding Diamond Edge in the 1984 Whitbread Gold Cup which is widely regarded as one of the greatest steeplechases ever run. Had an excellent record around Aintree completing the National seven times. Became a paddock commentator with the BBC on retirement and forged a very successful partnership with Richard Pitman until he was effectively replaced by Peter Scudamore in 1993. In my view Smith did a much better job and it was a shame to see him sidelined although he did reappear occasionally on Grand National Grandstand. His main role post retirement though has been as a trainer of Arab horses training predominantly for Sheikh Mohammed.

Major races won : Fighting Fifth Hurdle 72 (Comedy of Errors), 74 (Comedy of Errors), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup 80 (Diamond Edge), Bula Hurdle 73 (Comedy of Errors), Long Walk Hurdle 71 (St Patricks Blue), SGB Chase 71 (Spanish Steps), Christmas Hurdle 76 (Dramatist), Stones Ginger Wine Chase 72 (Royal Relief), Gainsborough Chase 79 (Diamond Edge), 80 (Diamond Edge), Reynoldstown Novices Chase 76 (Ghost Writer), Schweppes Gold Trophy 75 (Tammuz), Game Spirit Chase 77 (Isle of Man), Racing Post Chase 78 (Fort Devon), Imperial Cup 78 (Winter Melody), Welsh Champoin Hurdle 73 (Comedy of Errors), Scottish Champion Hurdle 82 (Gay George), Whitbread Gold Cup 79 (Diamond Edge), 81 (Diamond Edge)

Festival wins : Champion Hurdle 73 (Comedy of Errors), Queen Mother Champion Chase 72 (Royal Relief), 74 (Royal Relief), Triumph Hurdle 72 (Zarib), National Hunt Handicap Chase 77 (Gay Vulgan), Cathcart Chase Challenge Cup 82 (Dramatist)

Grand National record : Eleven rides 1972 Bright Willow (7th), 1973 Spanish Steps (4th), 1975 Spanish Steps (3rd), 1977 Gay Vulgan (pulled up 21st), 1978 Double Bridal (fell 13th), 1979 The Champ (fell 15th), 1981 Coolishall (8th), 1982 Delmoss (4th), 1983 Delmoss (10th), 1984 Fauloon (18th)

Miscellaneous : Remarkably he only rode in the Topham three times although he kept up his excellent record around the big fences completing the course twice.

Mr Richard Smith

Looked to have a great future ahead of him when he ran away with the 1972-73 amateur riders title with 56 winners. He subsequently turned professional but suffered career ending injuries in his first season.

Major race won : Long Walk Hurdle 72 (HIghland Abbe)

Grand National record : One ride 1972 Bullock`s Horn (refused 11th)

Steve Smith-Eccles (09/06/55)

The self styled "last of the cavaliers" flamboyant both in the saddle and off it. Never won the championship (third with his best tally of 65 wins in 1985-86 was the nearest he got). I always thought he would have made a great TV racing pundit but he clearly had other ideas and is a regular on the after dinner circuit. Also provides various tipping services.

Major races won : Charissma Gold Cup 79 (Henry Kissinger), JOhn Skeaping Hurdle 77 (Swift Shadow), Long Walk Hurdle 77 (John Cherry), 79 (John Cherry), SGB Chase 79 (Raffi Nelson), Christmas Hurdle 90 (Fidway), Reynoldstown Novices Chase 84 (Duke of Milan), Imperial Cup 87 (Inlander), Scottish Champion Hurdle 86 (River Ceriog)

Festival wins : Supreme Novices Hurdle 86 (River Ceriog), Champion Hurdle 85 (See You Then), 86 (See You Then), 87 (See You Then), Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup 85 (Kathies Lad), Sun Alliance Chase 78 (Sweet Joe), Triumph Hurdle 85 (First Bout), 87 (Alone Success)

Grand National record : Ten rides 1980 Zongalero (refused 20th), 1981 Zongalero (fell 22nd), 1982 Sun Lion (fell 3rd), 1983 Keengaddy (unseated rider 11th), 1984 Hill of Slane (11th), 1985 Hill of Slane (fell 6th), 1986 Classified (3rd), 1987 Classified (unseated rider 24th), 1990 Conclusive (fell 3rd), 1992 Bonanza Boy (unseated rider 19th

Miscellaneous : Third on Romany Count in 1984 was the best he could manage in three rides in the Topham.

Further reading : "THE LAST OF THE CAVALIERS" (with Alan Lee) - (Pelham Books 1993)

Vic Soane (21.07.49)

Trained on the flat between 1996 & 2000. His biggest victory came in 1997 when his My Best Valentine won the Prix de L`Abbeye at Longchamp. Clearly delighted he told the BBCs Sue Barker afterwards that the filly had "pissed it".

Major races won : Charisma Records Gold Cup 75 (Noble Neptune), Mandarin Chase 72 (Royal Toss), 76 (Roman Holiday), Mildmay Chase 73 (Rough Fury)

Grand National record : One ride 1974 Beggars Way (refused 9th)

Tommy Stack (15.11.45)

Rode 606 winners in the UK between 1966 and 1978. Champion jockey twice in 1974-75 (82 wins) and 1976-77 (97 wins). Based in the North of England for most of his career with only two southern major races to his name. Forever associated with Red Rum on whom he won the 1977 Grand National. After retirement he took out a trainers licence in Ireland and trains predominantly on the flat with great success. Trained Las Meninas to win the 1,000 Guineas in 1994 and Tarascon successful in the Irish equivalent in 1998. In the National he either finished the course of exited early.

Major races won : Charlie Hall Chase 76 (Set Point), Rowland Meyrick Chase Chase 72 (Jomon), 73 (Tartan Ace), 75 (The Gent), Schweppes Gold Trophy 77 (True Lad), Greenall Whitley Breweries Chase 68 (Half Awake), 72 (Young Ash Leaf), Mildmay Chase 72 (Explicit), Grand National 77 (Red Rum), Whitbread Gold Cup 78 (Strombolus)

Festival wins : Grand Annual Chase 77 (Tom Morgan)

Grand National record : Seven rides 1971 Final Move (11th), 1972 Saggarts Choice (unseated rider 1st), 1974 Scout (11th), 1975 Clear Cut (fell 2nd), 1976 Red Rum (2nd), 1977 RED RUM (WON), 1978 Hidden Value (fell 2nd)

Miscellaneous : Two falls and an unplaced in three rides in the Topham.

Brian Storey (17.05.62)

A stalwart of the northern circuit who rode 546 winners between 1982 and December 2002 (best season 48 winners 1996-97). Became a part time starter on retirement and now trains in Cumbria.

Grand National record : Three rides 1989 Mr Chris (fell 16th), 1990 Sir Jest (9th), 2000 Sparky Gayle (unseated rider 2nd)

Miscellaneous : Finished fifth in one ride in the Topham, seventh and ninth in two rides in the Becher and fell in one ride in the John Parrett.

Andrew Stringer

Rode 93 winners in an all too short career cut short by serious head injuries. Since retirement from the saddle he has had two stints as a dual -purpose trainer and was for a short time agent to Frankie Dettori and then Jamie Spencer.

Major race won : Topham Chase 84 (Fabulous)

Festival wins : Coral Golden Hurdle Final 82 (Tall Order), County Handicap Hurdle 84 (Hill Guard)

Grand National record : Four rides 1984 Another Captain (19th), 1985 Tacroy (unseated rider 6th), 1986 Tacroy (unseated rider 19th), 1987 Preben Fur (17th)

Miscellaneous : Fell in his other Topham ride.

Robert Stronge

Rode 125 winners between 1980 & 1993. Dual purpose trainer in Berkshire.

Grand National record : Five rides 1985 Rupertino (7th), 1986 Acarine (brought down 10th), 1987 Big Brown Bear (13th), 1988 Big Brown Bear (refused 26th), 1989 Mithras (pulled up 29th)

Miscellaneous : Finished ninth in his one ride in the Topham in 1986.

J.Suthern

Retired 1985. Best season 1979-80 with 23 winners.

Major race won : Game Spirit Chase 80 (Gambling Prince)

Grand National record : Three rides 1974 Go-Pontinental (unseated rider 3rd), 1978 Burrator (fell 11th), 1981 No Gypsy (fell 10th)

Miscellaneous : Fell in all his three rides in the Topham.

Captain Donald Swan (12.03.39)

Father of champion Charlie.

Grand National record : One ride 1975 Zimulator (fell 4th)




T


Tom Taaffe (15.06.63)

Son of the legendary Pat he did not achieve the same greatness in the saddle as his father but he went on to become an exceptional trainer training Kicking King to Gold Cup glory in 2005 (in addition to his two King Georges)

Major races won : H & T Walker Gold Cup 87 (Weather the Strom), Perrer Jouet Gold Cup 84 (Royal Bond), Mildmay Chase 89 (Feroda)

Grand National record : Five rides 1982 Mullacurry (fell 1st). 1984 Clonthurtin (fell 6th), 1985 Tubbertelly (refused 24th), 1988 Monanore (3rd), 1989 Sergeant Sprite (fell 6th) 

A K Taylor

Grand National record : One ride 1979 Prime Justice (7th & last)

Miscellaneous : 100% completion rate at Aintree as finished fourth in his only ride in the Topham in 1978.

Dai Tegg

Rode 121 winners in an all too brief career which was cut short when he suffered a brain haemorrhage two days before the 1993 Cheltenham festival which ultimately cost him the winning champion hurdle ride on Flakey Dove. He runs the Horseshoe pub in Ledbury Herefordshire.

Grand National record : Three rides 1989 Rausal (refused 28th), 1991 Forest Ranger (15th), 1992 Forest Ranger (12th)

Miscellaneous : Finished twenty second and last on his one ride in the Topham in 1990

Further reading : "GO DOWN TO THE BEATEN" (Chris Pitt)

Mr Tim Thomson-Jones (06.05.56)

The son of Harry Thomson-Jones, the trainer of Tingle CReek he was a leading amateur rider of the late seventies and eighties who regularly equipped himself well against the professional ranks riding 230 winners worldwide. .He trained for several years until the mid nineties in Upper Lambourn saddling Pukka Major in the 1990 National. He quit the sport in 1997 but in 2006 he set up HTJ Centre for Equine Nutrition and Allergies in Burford Oxfordshire.

Major race won : Whitbread Trial Chase 80 (Master Spy), Imperial Cup 79 (Flying Diplomat), Foxhunters Chase 85 (City Boy)

Grand National record : Three rides 1983 Royal Mail (fell 6th), 1985 Clonthurtin (pulled up 25th), 1986 Late Night Extra (pulled up 17th)

Miscellaneous : Rode in four Foxhunters winning in 1985 on City Boy and one Topham finishing second on Bright Oasis in 1986. Incidentally in 1986 he became the only rider post war to ride in all three chases over the National fences at the National meeting.

Mr M "John" Thorne

The owner and trainer of Spartan Missile. He was killed in a fall in a point-to-point shortly before the 1982 National.

Major races won : Foxhunters Chase 1978 (Spartan Missile), 1979 (Spartan Missile)

Festival win : Christies Foxhunters Chase 79 (Spartan Missile)

Grand National record : One ride 1981 Spartan Missile (2nd)

Miscellaneous : Rode in four Foxhunters in total. In addition to his two wins he finished second in 1973 on Dubaythorn.

Graham Thorner (27.01.49)

Champion jockey in 1970-71 with 74 wins (his highest total was 75 a year later). Rode a total of 650 winners in total.

Major races won : Charissma Gold Cup 77 (Maniwaki), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup 74 (Royal Marshall II), SGB Chase 73 (Mocharabuice), King George VI Chase 76 (Royal Marshal II), Madarin Chase 77 (Master Spy), Game Spirit Chase 79 (Casbah)

Festival wins : Grand Annual Chase 79 (Casbah), Arkle Chase Challenge Cup 73 (Denys Adventure), 79 (Alverton), Golden Hurdle Final 74 (Kastrup), Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup 72 (Mocharabuice), Grand Annual Challenge Cup 79 (Casbah)

Grand National record : Eight rides 1971 Bowgeeno (4th), 1972 Well to Do (2nd), 1974 Quintus (12th), 1975 Land Lark (fell 15th), 1976 Black Tudor (10th), 1977 Prince Rock (unseated rider 12th), 1978 Tamalin (12th), 1979 Mr Snowman (fell 22nd remounted pulled up 26th)

Colin Tinkler (07.05.54)

Leading northern jockey who`s best season was 1974-75 with 66 wins. He retired in 1980 after a horrific fall at Newcastle. Trained for a time at Mijas in Spain but he is now based in Wiltshire

Major races won : Stones Ginger Wine Chase 78 (Parkhouse), Great Yorkshire Chase 78 (Autumn Rain), Greenall Whitley Breweries Chase 73 (Tregarron), Racing POst Chase 79 (Strombolus), Topham Chase 78 (Canit), Mildmay Chase 75 (Tom Morgan), Royal Doulton Hurdle 78 (Royal Gaye)

Festival win : Arkle Chase Challenge Cup 75 (Bronco II), County Handicap Hurdle 79 (Monte Ceco)

Grand National record : Four rides 1976 Tregarron (fell 6th), 1977 Royal Thrust (fell 3rd), 1978 Double Negative (fell 10th), 1979 Godfrey Secundus (brought down 15th)

Miscellaneous : Won the Topham in 1978 on his only ride Canit.

Nigel Tinkler (28.02.58)

Younger brother of Colin. His best season was in 1978-79 when he rode 40 winners. Successful dual purpose trainer (although he concentrates mostly on the flat these days) based in North Yorkshire.

Grand National record : One ride 1977 Fort Vulgan (brought down 4th)

Miscellaneous : Contrasting fortunes in the 1978 Topham for the brothers Tinkler as Nigel fell at the first.

Sean Treacy

Grand National record : One ride 1978 Gleaming Rain (fell 6th)

Phil Tuck

Rode 423 winners between 1976 and 1990. In 1986 he equalled the record number of consecutive victories for a jump jockey (ten) during eleven days in October 1986. After a lengthy spell on the sidelines he won on his comeback ride Midnight Glen at Newcastle in January 1990 and promptly retired. He had a brief stint as a starter on retirement and then became a stewards secretary.

Major races won : Charlie Hall Chase 84 (Burrough Hill Lad), Fighting Fifth Hurdle 82 (Donegal Prince), Long Walk Hurdle 85 (Misty Dale), Great Yorkshire Chase 80 (Jer), Eider Chase 82 (Lasobany), Greenall Whitley Chase 85 (Earls Brig)

Festival wins : Supreme Novices Hurdle 87 (Tartan Tailor), Cheltenham Gold Cup 84 (Burrough Hill Lad)

Grand National record : Six rides 1980 Jer (fell 3rd), 1982 Saint Fillans (fell 27th), 1984 Three to One (fell 6th), 1985 Mr Snugfit (2nd), 1986 Mr Snugfit (4th), 1987 Dark Ivy (fell 6th)

Miscellaneous : Fourth was the best he could manage in five rides in the Topham.

Mr F.Turner

Grand National record : One ride 1972 Lisnaree (fell)




U


Mr Guy Upton (22.04.66)

Rode both as an amateur and professional winning 107 races under rules. He described his one ride in the National as the highlight of his career. Announced his retirement at Wincanton in April 1999. Married fellow jump jockey Sophie Mitchell and is assistant trainer to Jonjo O`Neill.

Grand National record : One ride 1989 Memberson (pulled up 28th)

Miscellaneous : Fell at the first on his one ride in the Foxhunters.

Mr L.Urbano

Grand National record : One ride 1975 Rough Silk (pulled up)




W


Mr G Wade

Festival win : Foxhunters Chase 70 (Queens Guide)

Grand National record : One ride 1970 Queens Guide (brought down 1st remounted pulled up 4th)

Nigel Wakley (01.12.47)

Major races won : Mandarin Chase 72 (Royal Toss), Anthony Mildmay Peter Cazalet Memorial Chase 73 (Royal Toss), Welsh National 73 (Deblins Green)

Festival win : Grand Annual Challenge Cup 73 (Coolera Prince)

Grand National record : One ride 1974 Deblins Green (unseated rider 8th)

Maj Malcolm Wallace

Grand National record : One ride 1984 Roman General (unseated rider 13th)

P Walsh

Grand National record : One ride 1982 Old Society (refused & unseated rider 11th)

Mr Ted Walsh (14.04.50)

Irelands leading amateur during the seventies and early eighties who retired after steering Attitude Adjuster to victory in the 1986 Cheltenham Foxhunters. Became a trainer on retirement, a role he combines with that as an analyst on RTE and he also appears alongside Jim McGrath and John Francome in Channel 4 during the Cheltenham Festival. As a trainer he saddled Papillon to win the National in 2000 and also Commanche Court sucessful in that years Irish equivalent.

Major races won : Aintree Hurdle 81 (Daring Run), 82 (Daring Run)

Festival wins : Queen Mother Champion Chase 82 (Hilly Way), Christies Foxhunters Chase 86 (Attitude Adjuster)

Grand National record : One ride 1975 Castleruddery (refused 5th)

Miscellaneous : Only had one other ride over the unique fences falling in the 1978 Foxhunters.

Chris Warren

Rode just 21 winners between 1981 & 1988.

Grand National record : One ride 1987 Le Bambino (pulled up 17th)

Ian Watkinson (09.10.48)

Rode such greats as Night Nurse, Sea Pigeon and Tingle Creek during his career.

Major races won : Fighting Fifth Hurdle 78 (Sea Pigeon), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup 76 (Zetas Son), Greenall Whitley Chase 77 (General Moselle)

Grand National record : Two rides Jollys Clump (13th), 1977 Sage Merlin (fell 15th)

Miscellaneous : Fell in only ride in the Topham.

Alan Webb (24.08.56)

Rode 274 winners between 1975 & 1993 (best season 26 wins 1981-82)

Festival wins : Triumph Hurdle 82 (Shiny Copper), Grand Annual Challenge Cup 78 (Young Arthur)

Grand National record : One ride 1989 Queensway Boy (refused 19th)

Miscellaneous : Only completed the course once in four attempts in the Topham.

Anthony Webber

Older brother of Paul. Champion amateur in 1973-74. He turned professional the following year and until he was forced to retire due to neck injury sustained during the Cheltenham Festival in 1986 he rode 347 winners amongst the paid ranks. His best season was in 1983-84 when he rode 60 winners. Is now an equine chiropractor.

Major race won : Massey Ferguson Gold Cup 78 (The Snipe), Racing Post Chase 82 (Two Swallows)

Grand National record : Eight rides 1975 Ballyrichard Again (unseated rider 8th), 1979 Coolishall (fell 27th), 1980 Even Up (refused 18th), 1981 Might Be (fell 27th), 1982 Hard Outlook (2nd), 1983 Mender (unseated rider 4th), 1984 Two Swallows (6th), 1985 Talon (fell 1st)

Miscellaneous :  A superb record in the Topham, completed the course in four of his five rides twice finishing second on Saint Taffy in 1983 and Knock Hill in 1985

website : www.anthonywebber.co.uk

Mr Paul Webber

Champion amateur in 1980-81 with 32 winners. Took over training from his father John in 1995 and has trained with success primarily over jumps ever since (best season 35 winners from 236 runners 2003-04 season)

Grand National record : One ride 1981 Son and Heir (refused 19th)

Miscellaneous : His brother had a great record in the Topham and he upheld the family tradition in the Foxhunters - five rides, five completions, two fourth placed and twice second on Sydney Quin in 1981 and Venture to Cognac in 1986.

website : www.paulwebberracing.co.uk

John White (15.04.59)

Rode 169 winners in eleven seasons in the UK riding mostly for Nicky Henderson but it will be for one ride in the "race that never was" that he will always be remembered. Esha Ness. Aintree 1993. Enough said about that. He moved to Ireland shortly afterwards to take up training but was persuaded to return to the UK for two final cracks at the National. Reunited with Esha Ness in 1995 he broke his nose when they fell at the twelfth. A painful end to what had been a good record around the unique fences. It was his last ride.

Major race won : H & T Walker Gold Cup 83 (The Tsarevich), Racing Post Chase 93 (Zetas Lad)

Festival wins : Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup 85 (The Tsarevich), 86 (The Tsarevich), Cathcrt Chase Challenge Cup 90 (Brown Windsor)

Grand National record : Ten rides 1984 Spartan Missile (16th), 1985 Classified (5th), 1986 The Tsarevich (7th), 1987 The Tsarevich (2nd), 1988 The Tsarevich (7th), 1989 Bob Tisdal (refused 2nd), 1990 Brown Windsor (4th), 1991 Ten of Spades (14th), 1994 Into the Red (unseated rider 30th), 1995 Esha Ness (fell 12th)

D.Wilkinson (19.05.57)

Rode 110 winners in a twenty year career. His best season came in 1980-81 when he rode 20 winners.

Grand National record : One ride 1985 Greenhill Hall (pulled up 17th)

John Williams (14.01.48)

Had considerable success on the flat riding 349 winners on the level between 1988 and 1995. Prior to that rode over jumps and blazed the trail "Crisp-style" on Boom Docker in 1977. One of a select band of jockeys to have ridden in both the National and the Derby finishing thirteenth on Bookcase in 1990 and twelfth on Well Saddled in 1992. Not many jockeys have the Norwegian Grand National, Stewards Cup and Ayr Gold Cup in his trophy cabinet but John does.

Grand National record : Four rides 1976 Boom Docker (brought down 22nd), 1977 Boom Docker (refused 17th), 1983 Never Tamper (refused 28th), 1985 Never Tamper (pulled up 17th)

Michael Williams

Rode exactly 200 winners between 1974 & 1990. Best season 29 winners in 1979-80.

Major races won : Topham Trophy (Glenlivet Trophy) 88 (Wiggburn)

Grand National record : One ride 1982 Jimmy Miff (unseated rider 1st)

Miscellaneous : Pulled up in his other ride in the Topham.

Miss Venetia Williams

As a rider the National was a painful experience as she was knocked unconscious and having recovered from that she broke her neck a few months later and her career as an amateur rider was over. However as a trainer she has enjoyed phenomenal success and became only the second woman to train the National winner when Mon Mome triumphed for her in 2009.

Grand National record : One ride 1988 Marcolo (fell 6th)

Mr A "Jim" Wilson (04.02.50)

One of the greatest post-war amateur riders particularly successful at the Cheltenham Festival where he rode three winners in 1980 and won the Ritz Club Trophy for the leading jockey.

Major races won : Peter Marsh Chase 81 (Little Owl)

Festival wins : National Hunt Handicap Chase 80 (Again the Same), Kim Muir Memorial Challenge Cup 80 (Good Prospect), 84 (Broomy Bank), Corals Golden Hurdle Final 79 (Willie Wumpkins), 80 (Willie Wumpkins), 81 (Willie Wumpkins), Cheltenham Gold Cup 81 (LIttle Owl)

Grand National record : Five rides 1976 Thomond (unseated rider 4th), 1981 Another Prospect (fell 8th), 1982 Rolls Rambler (refused 22nd), 1984 Broomy Bank (8th), 1985 Broomy Bank (unseated rider 23rd)

Miscellaneous : 100 % completion rate in five Foxhunters and one Topham finishing second in the 1982 Foxhunters on Rolls Rambler on whom he rode in the National two days later.

Mr R H Woodhouse

Festival wins : Foxhunters Chase 65 (Woodside Terrace), 70 (Highworth)

Grand National record : One ride 1971 Highworth (refused 8th)

Mr Eddie Woods

Grand National record : One ride Double Negative (unseated rider)

Miscellaneous : His Grand National experience may have been very brief but in 1981 he rode in both the Topham and Foxhunters finishing both and finishing second in the Topham on Blackwater Bridge.

Mr Gavin Wragg

One of a select band of brave amateurs to have ridden both at Aintree and in the Velka Pardubicka (on Grand Cheval in 1990)

Grand National record : One ride Drumlargan (refused 19th)

Miscellaneous :  A regular over the National fences in the Foxhunters in the late eighties and nineties riding in the race six times.

Lets bring this great thread back to the top before i go to bed,
I've dug out a racecard from  1970 At folkestone where the jocks include.
R.Still
D.McKay
C.Moss
M.L.Thomas
D.Greening
R.Edmondson...Not top jockeys but household names in our house.

Was 2 courses in kent back then, now theres nowt

reculver 25 Apr 13 23:22


R.Edmondson...Not top jockeys but household names in our house

lad from Yorkshire and Champion Apprentice in the early 70s.  had an illness which all but finished his career as a jockey (he contracted a bone disease).  he did struggle for a while and made 2 short-lived comebacks but reluctantly gave up later in the 70s.

Last time I seen him was about 12 or 13 years ago in Newmarket when he was a work-rider for Davis Loder.  Had a good chat about racing and fishing and pigeon racing.  And if he had any regret about a career cut short he didn't show it, never regarded himself as a great jockey, or the perfect apprentice either.

Over the years he has always stayed with horses but did quit once for about a year, worked as a washer-up and bartender in a hotel.  He must be about 60 now.