Pitman, Richard

The son of an engineer, Richard Thomas Pitman was born at Bishop's Cleeve by Cheltenham racecourse, on January 21, 1943, and became apprenticed to Phil Doherty (1959) and Major G Champneys.

He made his debut at Hereford in September 1961 riding Rossagio.

His first winner came some three years later: Indian Spice at Fontwell on December 30, 1964.

Richard's last ride was St Swithin, unplaced, at Stratford on May 31, 1975. He then worked for the BBC and various racing channels.

Richard, who is 5ft 5ins tall, rode a number of good winners, but is probably best remembered for just getting beaten on Crisp in Red Rum's 1973 Grand National.

His best wins included the 1974 Champion Hurdle on Lanzarote: 1970 Whitbread on Royal Toss: 1972 Hennessy on Charlie Potheen: the 1972 Arkle on Pendil and the 1975 Heinz Chase on Floating Pound.

He rode a total of 427 winners.