Ralph Evans
Ralph Evans
Ralph Evans
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
Ralph Douglas Evans never rode more than one winner in a season but had four altogether.
Ralph Douglas Evans never rode more than one winner in a season but had four altogether.
His first win came at the Isle of Wight meeting on May 5, 1927, when his mount, Kinawley, beat the 4-1 on favourite Gibus, ridden by Tim O’Sullivan by two lengths in the Brading Chase, with the only other runner failing to finish.
His first win came at the Isle of Wight meeting on May 5, 1927, when his mount, Kinawley, beat the 4-1 on favourite Gibus, ridden by Tim O’Sullivan by two lengths in the Brading Chase, with the only other runner failing to finish.
The stewards called O’Sullivan in for an explanation of his riding. It was clear that the jockey had eased his mount before the finish, and O’Sullivan stated that he was “four lengths in front jumping the last fence and did not think there was another horse near him”. The stewards accepted this. It was seven-year-old Kinawley’s first win for over a year and Ralph’s second ride on him, having fallen at Bournemouth the previous month.
The stewards called O’Sullivan in for an explanation of his riding. It was clear that the jockey had eased his mount before the finish, and O’Sullivan stated that he was “four lengths in front jumping the last fence and did not think there was another horse near him”. The stewards accepted this. It was seven-year-old Kinawley’s first win for over a year and Ralph’s second ride on him, having fallen at Bournemouth the previous month.
Ralph’s second win came in dramatic fashion at Taunton a few months later, on September 21, when there was a match for the Chard Chase. The 4-1 on favourite was Diblish, ridden by his owner, Major Tom Cavanagh, who had won a chase on him at Bournemouth five days earlier. Ralph was on Snow Village, who had fallen on his last three ventures over fences, two of them with Ralph aboard. Snow Village fell again but was remounted and came in alone, with Diblish having broken down. Ralph rode Snow Village on his three subsequent outings, all over hurdles, and they at least got round, albeit unplaced.
Ralph’s second win came in dramatic fashion at Taunton a few months later, on September 21, when there was a match for the Chard Chase. The 4-1 on favourite was Diblish, ridden by his owner, Major Tom Cavanagh, who had won a chase on him at Bournemouth five days earlier. Ralph was on Snow Village, who had fallen on his last three ventures over fences, two of them with Ralph aboard. Snow Village fell again but was remounted and came in alone, with Diblish having broken down. Ralph rode Snow Village on his three subsequent outings, all over hurdles, and they at least got round, albeit unplaced.
More than a year passed before win number three. It again came courtesy of Kinawley, beating three rivals to take the Barnham Selling Chase at Fontwell Park on October 10, 1928, by five lengths. Kinawley was sold at the post-race auction, hence Ralph had no further chances on him.
More than a year passed before win number three. It again came courtesy of Kinawley, beating three rivals to take the Barnham Selling Chase at Fontwell Park on October 10, 1928, by five lengths. Kinawley was sold at the post-race auction, hence Ralph had no further chances on him.
He had to wait more than three years for his final success, which came at Colwall Park on November 16, 1931, when Gay Life won the Bosbury Maiden Hurdle, beating eight rivals. It was Ralph’s first ride on the four-year-old and he only had one more unplaced effort, at Newbury, before others took over in the saddle. He did not renew his licence after the 1932/33 season.
He had to wait more than three years for his final success, which came at Colwall Park on November 16, 1931, when Gay Life won the Bosbury Maiden Hurdle, beating eight rivals. It was Ralph’s first ride on the four-year-old and he only had one more unplaced effort, at Newbury, before others took over in the saddle. He did not renew his licence after the 1932/33 season.
Ralph Evans' first win came on Kinawley at the Isle of Wight meeting on May 5 1927
Ralph Evans' first win came on Kinawley at the Isle of Wight meeting on May 5 1927
His second winner, Snow Village, won at Taunton on September 21 1927
His second winner, Snow Village, won at Taunton on September 21 1927
Ralph's third winner, Kinawley, came at Fontwell Park on October 10,1928
Ralph's third winner, Kinawley, came at Fontwell Park on October 10,1928
His final winner, Gay Life, came at Colwall Park on November 16, 1931
His final winner, Gay Life, came at Colwall Park on November 16, 1931