East, David

David East was born on March 5, 1937 and lived, at one time, at 5 High Street, Newmarket.He served his apprenticeship with W. Payne and F. Armstrong.

He could do 7 stone with ease and, having ridden his first winner, Fazeley Fair, at Wolverhampton on 22 April, 1958, picked up several good spare rides in handicaps and conditions events.

David won the Wokingham twice, Ladbroke Cup, Jubilee Handicap and, carrying only 7st 3lbs., the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot on Good Match when regular rider, Jimmy Lindley, could not do the weight.

The demand for his services declined as minimum weights rose. Trainers preferred to have 'live' weight in the saddle rather than lead, and David struggled to make ends meet.

Falling on hard times, he served a spell in prison before, aged just 53, he died in November, 1990.

He rode with some success in India, winning the Beresford Cup and the Cooch Behar Cup.

David was a passionate angler.

On June 10, 1961, he married Valerie Anne Richardson: she gave him a son, Michael David and a daughter, Carolyn Jane.

On his tenth wedding anniversary, he rode Inventory to victory at Lingfield  - his first win of the year.

His best year was 1969 with 15 winners. He rode a total of 94 winners.

His height was 4ft 11ins.

David's first ride had been on North Light in the 1958 Lincoln Handicap. He finished fifth.

His last winner was Politeese at Newmarket in May, 1972.