Sprague, Harry

Harry was born in Devonshire on July 27, 1920 and became apprenticed to Jack Reardon. He weighed 5st 12lbs.

His first Flat winner was Jenner at Bogside on April 3, 1936: his first winner over the jumps was Bill Bulger at Leicester on November 21, 1939.

His last winner (and also his last ever ride) was Done Up in the 1959 Whitbread Gold Cup.

Harry rode a total of 245 NH winners.

He twice broke his neck, twice broke a leg, an arm, a wrist and an ankle. He was sick from his exertions after winning on Done Up.

He once rode in the Derby, finishing unplaced on Larchfield in 1939.

Other good winners were Doorknocker, 1956 Champion Hurdle: Pundit, 1958 Triumph Hurdle and Rosenkavalier, 1956 Grand Annual Chase.