Linley, Richard

On Wednesday, January 30, 1980, amid rumours that all was not well, Richard announced that he had relinquished his retainer with Toby Balding's stable by mutual agreement and that he had decided to ride as a freelance  in future.

At Windsor, on Wednesday February 4, 1981, Richard won on More Pleasure. This was Richard's 34th winner of the season, equally his previous best total.

Richard fractured four vertebrae in a fall in October 1982, but was back a month later on November 11 to ride Master Smudge.

On Thursday 28 November, 1985, Richard, on the way home from Wincanton - his local course - was involved in a fatal car crash. He had two operations following the crash and the Jockey Club's medical Officer, Dr Michael Allen, said: 'We are hoping that no further surgical intervention will be necessary.'

In fact, a third operation, carried out in the Monday, was necessary. He was treated for abdominal injuries and a broken right leg.

Richard's wife, Beverley, died in the crash: he was informed of her death by her parents.

Richard, on crutches, returned to an empty home just before Christmas. However, complications set in and he was re-admitted to hospital the following April.

That September, on his 32nd birthday, he said: 'My leg, which was broken, has given me a lot of trouble. I had to go back into hospital because it became infected. But it's all right now, and I have got a walking plaster which enables me to get around.'

At the beginning of January, 1987, he started riding exercise for Toby Balding, Fred Winter & Ron Hodges.

He said at the time: 'I feel very well and have been looking forwards to the day when I could race again. At the moment I an very relaxed about it but I'm sure when I get into the paddock the old adrenalin will get going.'

On Saturday January 24, 1987, at Kempton, he had his comeback ride: Neblin, for Toby Balding. Neblin failed to give Richard a fairytale return, but the jockey didn't have to wait long to return to the winner's enclosure.

Riding Robin Goodfellow in the last, Richard took the lead at the final obstacle to win going away. He was accorded the sort of reception usually reserved for a Grand National winner.

Toby Balding, whom Richard had first worked for in his school holidays, just said: 'It's brilliant! Just brilliant!'

But it was, in fact, the beginning of the end. Weeks passed and frustration set in as the winners refused to flow.

Richard said: 'It's been pretty quiet. I've had two winners in seven weeks and, in general, the ammunition has not been there. I simply haven't been offered many rides.'

Before the season ended, he moved into a new home, complete with 80 acres of land in Somerset.

'Getting that lot in order will at least keep me fit for next season.' he said.

On March 18, 1987, he rode Gala's Image to a stunning victory in the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham, but dislocated his right shoulder in a desperate finish. It was his first winner over fences since his car accident. He was helped off the 25/1 winner and, as he manoeuvered his way through the crowd he screamed 'Don't touch my arm!'

He wasn't seen on the racecourse again until August 1 that year (Kamag, Newton Abbot).

He quit the saddle the next month and was appointed Inspector of Courses for the south.