Melton Avril Vasey was born at Doncaster on April 4, 1906, and became apprenticed to his father, Fred Melton Vasey.
Avril rode as a professional NH jockey from 1923 to 1934.
His first winner was Son O'Lomond at Leicester on February 19, 1924.
In the 1929 Scottish Grand National, riding Donzelon, he fell at the water. He was knocked out and, completely submerged, would have drowned had not Bilbie Rees also fallen there and noticed his boots sticking up above the water.
He kept the boots that saved his life.
Avril was the third generation of the Vasey to train successfully.
His daughter married NH jockey/trainer Peter Chisman.
Avril, died on March 12, 1986, age 79.