Vickers, Ian

The precocious Ian was already riding over hurdles at fourteen and was just 15 when he guided Light Smoke (left) into the winner's enclosure on October 5, 1959, at Carlisle.

Ian was born on March 6, 1944, and lived at Newton Grange, Sadberge, Darlington and, out of the saddle, was a keen farmer.

Ian's father, John, born March 3 1913, took out a trainer's licence in 1961 and sent out the Portland Handicap winner. 

When his riding days were over, Ian followed in his footsteps and trained with moderate success.