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Keen snooker player David - born 12 December, 1939 - showed no precociousness as a jockey - that would come later as a trainer - and took some eight years to ride his first three winners.Rathronan had been the first, winning a 35-runner novices' hurdle at Cheltenham.
By the time he had ridden for 12 years, his winning total had increased to just eleven, not exactly the stuff dreams are made of.
He had served his apprenticeship with Alec Kilpatrick from 1955-1958.
When David, on Chamoretta, lined up for the 1968 Grand National, he had not ridden a winner all season and didn't expect to break his duck on the 100/1 shot.
He had a chance of sorts approaching the last ditch. Forecastle and Vutrix disputed the approaching the last ditch. Both refused, baulking Chamoretta in the process who somehow became straddled across the fence. Red Alligator stormed on to win.
His seasonal win figures were dire: just five in 68/69, two in 70/71 and three in 71/71.
Having cut no ice riding - just thirty wins in a long career - he switched to training in the 78/79 season.
He was a revelation.
Persian Punch and the legendary Desert Orchid were just two of the many great horses he sent out.
Desert Orchid, possibly his most famous horse, won four King George Vl Chases.
And, for good measure, he sent out Rhyme 'N' Reason to win the 1988 Grand National.
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