Rowell, Roger

The son of a Hertfordshire horse dealer, Roger Rowell was born on October 15, 1948, at St Albans.Roger's height: 5ft 10ins.

He was apprenticed to Tom Masson, Fred Rimell & Miss Auriol Sinclair and made his debut, at Sandown, on Vaux-Le-Vicomte on January 5, 1968.

This horse provided him with his first winner at Plumpton 13, February, 1968.

During his long career, Roger broke his jaw, an ankle, both wrists and several ribs.

He rode around 150 winners.

He was very much involved with stock-car racing and at one time was Southern Banger Racing Champion of Britain.

Festival win: Supreme Novices Hurdle 74 (Avec Moi)

Grand National record : One ride 1987 Valencio (fell 25th)