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Ronald Pitt
Ronald Pitt
Ronald Charles Pitt – no relation (as far as he is aware) to racing journalist and author Chris Pitt – rode under National Hunt rules between December 1948 and February 1950 without managing a winner.
Ronald Charles Pitt – no relation (as far as he is aware) to racing journalist and author Chris Pitt – rode under National Hunt rules between December 1948 and February 1950 without managing a winner.
He had his first ride on Bay Araby, finishing eleventh of thirteen finishers in the December Juvenile Hurdle at Sandown Park on December 8, 1948. The three-year-old had been pulled up on his only previous start at Plumpton the previous month when partnered by Tony Grantham, so at least Ronald succeeded in getting the horse round.
He had his first ride on Bay Araby, finishing eleventh of thirteen finishers in the December Juvenile Hurdle at Sandown Park on December 8, 1948. The three-year-old had been pulled up on his only previous start at Plumpton the previous month when partnered by Tony Grantham, so at least Ronald succeeded in getting the horse round.
His second ride came ten days later when unplaced on the five-year-old Champagne Charlie in the Shipley Handicap Hurdle at Lingfield Park. Vince Mooney had ridden him in his three previous starts that season, all unplaced.
His second ride came ten days later when unplaced on the five-year-old Champagne Charlie in the Shipley Handicap Hurdle at Lingfield Park. Vince Mooney had ridden him in his three previous starts that season, all unplaced.
Altogether, Ronald rode Bay Araby eight times without ever making the frame. He rode Champagne Charlie 15 times, including when finishing fourth of six at Plumpton on March 16, 1949 (Chaseform comment: “always behind, some late progress’).
Altogether, Ronald rode Bay Araby eight times without ever making the frame. He rode Champagne Charlie 15 times, including when finishing fourth of six at Plumpton on March 16, 1949 (Chaseform comment: “always behind, some late progress’).
Next time out, on March 23, 1949, Champagne Charlie came closest to providing Ronald with a win, finishing second of ten in the Felpham Handicap Hurdle at Fontwell Park, beaten a length and a half by Doug Marks on Rejected, the winner giving 25lb to the runner-up (Chaseform comment: ‘always there, challenged approaching last, no extra on flat).
Next time out, on March 23, 1949, Champagne Charlie came closest to providing Ronald with a win, finishing second of ten in the Felpham Handicap Hurdle at Fontwell Park, beaten a length and a half by Doug Marks on Rejected, the winner giving 25lb to the runner-up (Chaseform comment: ‘always there, challenged approaching last, no extra on flat).
That particular race is recalled not for Ronald’s closest effort but for the fall of Thumper at the second last flight. His 50-year-old amateur rider Philip Turner suffered a severe head injury, from which he died the following day at the Royal Sussex Hospital.
That particular race is recalled not for Ronald’s closest effort but for the fall of Thumper at the second last flight. His 50-year-old amateur rider Philip Turner suffered a severe head injury, from which he died the following day at the Royal Sussex Hospital.
Champagne Charlie ran out with Ronald at Plumpton on their next start and never again came closer than fourth.
Champagne Charlie ran out with Ronald at Plumpton on their next start and never again came closer than fourth.
All Ronald’s rides had been over hurdles until he partnered the 11-year-old Succulent in the Findon Novices’ Chase (Division 2) at Fontwell Park on February 7, 1950. His first ride over fences went satisfactorily and he completed the course, albeit last of the eight finishers.
All Ronald’s rides had been over hurdles until he partnered the 11-year-old Succulent in the Findon Novices’ Chase (Division 2) at Fontwell Park on February 7, 1950. His first ride over fences went satisfactorily and he completed the course, albeit last of the eight finishers.
However, in their next race together, the Wivelsfield Selling Chase at Plumpton on February 22, 1950, Succulent fell at the water jump. Whether that fall was of sufficient severity to end Ronald Pitt’s career prematurely is not known, but it proved to be his final ride.
However, in their next race together, the Wivelsfield Selling Chase at Plumpton on February 22, 1950, Succulent fell at the water jump. Whether that fall was of sufficient severity to end Ronald Pitt’s career prematurely is not known, but it proved to be his final ride.
The closest Ronald Pitt came to a win
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