Paul Forsyth

Paul Forsyth

Article by Alan Trout

Paul Forsyth only had a few rides under National Hunt rules but won on two of them, both on the same horse in the 1979/80 season. He served his time with Charlie James who trained at East Garston, near Newbury. 

James trained Cumberland Reel to give Paul his first win on his first ride. The five-year-old had a battle with Eva Anne, ridden by Mark Richards, eventually prevailing by a short head in the Border Opportunity Selling Handicap Hurdle  at Ludlow on February 28, 1980. The winner had been placed twice from five starts that seasons but experienced jockeys such as Colin brown and Gerry McNally had been unable to win on him. 

Cumberland Reel was also responsible for Paul’s only other success when cruising to a 15-length victory in the Hampton Court Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Hereford on May 10. The gelding never ran again and, despite those two successes, Paul had few further opportunities. 

His last ride was on Byclough Boy, unplaced in the Bolam Selling Handicap Hurdle at Newcastle on November 13, 1981.