Leslie, Derek

Derek Moncrieffe Leslie was born at Melton Mowbray on April 17, 1929, and rode his first winner, Just Joe, at Devon on September 15, 1949.He rode a total of 173 winners.

He retired in 1961 and, in 1967, turned to training.

Derek married twice and became a Jehovah's Witness.

He died of motor neurone disease on November 20, 1988, aged 59.

Derek was cremated. He left £136,336.

His best wins included:

1951:  Stayers'Handicap Chase - Pearly Prince

1956:  November Handicap Hurdle - Peggy Jones

1957:  Tote Investors Handicap Chase - Chateau Pavie

1957:  November Handicap Hurdle -Bandalore

1959:  County Handicap Hurdle - Approval