Richard Davis
Richard John Davis was the son of John and Ann Davis. John worked for Peter Cazalet's stable in the 1950s and rode horses such as Devon Loch but never rode in public under National Hunt rules. Richard was immensely popular among his weighing room colleagues but, by his own admission, had not so far hit the heights and was regarded as a 'journeyman' jockey. He just needed that one good horse to advertise his talents to the full. Maybe a book about his life would help him gain wider recognition.
Richard John Davis was the son of John and Ann Davis. John worked for Peter Cazalet's stable in the 1950s and rode horses such as Devon Loch but never rode in public under National Hunt rules. Richard was immensely popular among his weighing room colleagues but, by his own admission, had not so far hit the heights and was regarded as a 'journeyman' jockey. He just needed that one good horse to advertise his talents to the full. Maybe a book about his life would help him gain wider recognition.
Monday 15 July 1996, author Sean Magee and jockey Richard Davis met in The Plough, Ford, where they had lunch. Mindful of his coming rides, Richard ordered jacket potato.
Monday 15 July 1996, author Sean Magee and jockey Richard Davis met in The Plough, Ford, where they had lunch. Mindful of his coming rides, Richard ordered jacket potato.
Richard had been keeping a diary throughout the previous season which described the racing life and routine of an 'ordinary' jockey and, together, they planned to produce a book based on these daily entries.
Richard had been keeping a diary throughout the previous season which described the racing life and routine of an 'ordinary' jockey and, together, they planned to produce a book based on these daily entries.
Richard was in good form. He had recently come back from Czechoslovakia where he'd gone with three other jockeys - close friend Guy Lewis, Chris Maude and Keith Dempsey - to ride at the meeting which features the Czech Gold Cup.
Richard was in good form. He had recently come back from Czechoslovakia where he'd gone with three other jockeys - close friend Guy Lewis, Chris Maude and Keith Dempsey - to ride at the meeting which features the Czech Gold Cup.
Richard produced a map of the Pardubice cross-country course, so reminiscent of Cheltenham's, and regaled the author with stories of the visit.
Richard produced a map of the Pardubice cross-country course, so reminiscent of Cheltenham's, and regaled the author with stories of the visit.
In the pub car park, Richard let his dog, Henry, out of the car to stretch its legs.
In the pub car park, Richard let his dog, Henry, out of the car to stretch its legs.
Sean wondered how Richard would be spending the rest of the week. Richard replied that he would be schooling on Wednesday, riding at Southwell on Friday and going to a wedding on Saturday. He promised to phone Sean on the Sunday.
Sean wondered how Richard would be spending the rest of the week. Richard replied that he would be schooling on Wednesday, riding at Southwell on Friday and going to a wedding on Saturday. He promised to phone Sean on the Sunday.
On Friday July 19 at 2.20, Richard and his mount, Mr Sox, lined up for the Fisherton Novices Handicap Chase.
On Friday July 19 at 2.20, Richard and his mount, Mr Sox, lined up for the Fisherton Novices Handicap Chase.
Mr Sox was Richard's only ride of the day. He'd never ridden it before. Mr Sox had an official rating of 60; of the 1,500 or so racehorses with ratings over the fences, only 13 were on a lower mark. Anticipating a hairy ride, Richard had warned the other jockeys not to follow him.
Mr Sox was Richard's only ride of the day. He'd never ridden it before. Mr Sox had an official rating of 60; of the 1,500 or so racehorses with ratings over the fences, only 13 were on a lower mark. Anticipating a hairy ride, Richard had warned the other jockeys not to follow him.
Starting the rank outsider of six, Mr Sox got no further than the first fence. He failed to get his hind legs over; the horse's rear end shot up into the air giving Richard no chance of staying in the saddle. Richard pitched to the ground and was hit, a second later, by the falling three-quarters of a ton horse. Richard took the full force.
Starting the rank outsider of six, Mr Sox got no further than the first fence. He failed to get his hind legs over; the horse's rear end shot up into the air giving Richard no chance of staying in the saddle. Richard pitched to the ground and was hit, a second later, by the falling three-quarters of a ton horse. Richard took the full force.
Paramedics rushed to his aid as, lying on his side and unconscious, his face turned blue. One shouted at him, seeking response. Richard's eyes were open and his skin began to turn from blue to pale.
Paramedics rushed to his aid as, lying on his side and unconscious, his face turned blue. One shouted at him, seeking response. Richard's eyes were open and his skin began to turn from blue to pale.
As they lifted him onto a spine board, he regained some consciousness and began repeating 'I came on my own and I have already had my spleen removed.'
As they lifted him onto a spine board, he regained some consciousness and began repeating 'I came on my own and I have already had my spleen removed.'
He asked for painkillers for his back and began to fret about Henry, his dog.
He asked for painkillers for his back and began to fret about Henry, his dog.
Richard's clothes and wallet were collected up by racecourse valet Tom Buckingham. Fellow jockey Warren Marston drove Richard's car to a trainer's yard for Richard to pick up when able.
Richard's clothes and wallet were collected up by racecourse valet Tom Buckingham. Fellow jockey Warren Marston drove Richard's car to a trainer's yard for Richard to pick up when able.
Because of Richard's back injuries, the ambulance drove slowly to the Queen's Medical Centre, some 12 miles from the course. Here he was immediately examined: remarkably no bones had been broken but his internal injuries were massive.
Because of Richard's back injuries, the ambulance drove slowly to the Queen's Medical Centre, some 12 miles from the course. Here he was immediately examined: remarkably no bones had been broken but his internal injuries were massive.
During surgery, shock, due to loss of blood, arrested his heart - he was pronounced dead at 5.40.
During surgery, shock, due to loss of blood, arrested his heart - he was pronounced dead at 5.40.
As news of his demise spread to a shocked racing community, questions began to be asked.
As news of his demise spread to a shocked racing community, questions began to be asked.
Was Mr Sox just too poor a horse to be racing at all? Had it, as rumours suggested, been running with a fractured pelvis? Was its trainer - Laura Shally - qualified to be training? A fortnight after Richard's death, three horses from Shally's yard died. Were they poisoned by someone seeking revenge?
Was Mr Sox just too poor a horse to be racing at all? Had it, as rumours suggested, been running with a fractured pelvis? Was its trainer - Laura Shally - qualified to be training? A fortnight after Richard's death, three horses from Shally's yard died. Were they poisoned by someone seeking revenge?
On Saturday, the day after the accident, a minute's silence was held at each of the day's six meetings. On Sunday, at Stratford, Richard Dunwoody, on behalf of other jockeys, placed flowers under the number one marker board in the unsaddling enclosure.
On Saturday, the day after the accident, a minute's silence was held at each of the day's six meetings. On Sunday, at Stratford, Richard Dunwoody, on behalf of other jockeys, placed flowers under the number one marker board in the unsaddling enclosure.
A week after his death, Richard's funeral took place at noon in Earls Croome, Worcestershire. Needless to say, the 13th century village church of St Nicholas was full. Richard's favourite music - Don McLean and the Irish band The Saw Doctors - played in the background.
A week after his death, Richard's funeral took place at noon in Earls Croome, Worcestershire. Needless to say, the 13th century village church of St Nicholas was full. Richard's favourite music - Don McLean and the Irish band The Saw Doctors - played in the background.
Leading riders turned up to express the collective grief of the weighing room: Tony McCoy, Jamie Osborne, Adrian Maguire and Richard Dunwoody paid their respects. Dai Tegg, Richard's great friend, whose own riding career had been prematurely brought to an end by one fall too many, also attended.
Leading riders turned up to express the collective grief of the weighing room: Tony McCoy, Jamie Osborne, Adrian Maguire and Richard Dunwoody paid their respects. Dai Tegg, Richard's great friend, whose own riding career had been prematurely brought to an end by one fall too many, also attended.
The congregation sang 'All Things Bright & Beautiful' before Richard Dunwoody, from the lectern, quoted the words of the Saw Doctors song 'To win just once would be enough' which had become the unofficial anthem to jockeys everywhere.
The congregation sang 'All Things Bright & Beautiful' before Richard Dunwoody, from the lectern, quoted the words of the Saw Doctors song 'To win just once would be enough' which had become the unofficial anthem to jockeys everywhere.
Richard's coffin was carried to the far end of the churchyard and lowered into the ground. A stream of mourners wound its way past, silent in their loss.
Richard's coffin was carried to the far end of the churchyard and lowered into the ground. A stream of mourners wound its way past, silent in their loss.
Years later, A. P. McCoy would recall Richard's death saying: 'This was the lowest point of my career. I was a conditional with him, rode in the race and can remember getting the phone call as if it were yesterday. I just burst into tears.'
Years later, A. P. McCoy would recall Richard's death saying: 'This was the lowest point of my career. I was a conditional with him, rode in the race and can remember getting the phone call as if it were yesterday. I just burst into tears.'
It took many weeks for Richard's parents to bring themselves to clear their son's house of his belongings, but when they did so, his mother Ann found attached to a pinboard a small card on which was a picture of a bear struggling uphill. The verse on the card read as follows:
It took many weeks for Richard's parents to bring themselves to clear their son's house of his belongings, but when they did so, his mother Ann found attached to a pinboard a small card on which was a picture of a bear struggling uphill. The verse on the card read as follows:
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit....
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit....
To Ann it epitomised his attitude to his work.
To Ann it epitomised his attitude to his work.
Keep going. Aspiration is all.
Keep going. Aspiration is all.
No coincidence could have been more chilling ...
No coincidence could have been more chilling ...
As jockey Andy Larnach strolled happily into Southwell racecourse on July 19, the first thing he saw was a rider being carried on a stretcher into an ambulance.
As jockey Andy Larnach strolled happily into Southwell racecourse on July 19, the first thing he saw was a rider being carried on a stretcher into an ambulance.
It was Richard Davis, badly injured, and soon to die in a nearby hospital.
It was Richard Davis, badly injured, and soon to die in a nearby hospital.
Davis, 26, had been crushed by Mr Sox, a 100-1 no-hoper, running in a two-miles novices chase. The horse had failed to take off at the first fence, and rolled on Davis and crushed him.
Davis, 26, had been crushed by Mr Sox, a 100-1 no-hoper, running in a two-miles novices chase. The horse had failed to take off at the first fence, and rolled on Davis and crushed him.
As the ambulance drove away, Larnach calmly got on with the business of preparing for his own rides.
As the ambulance drove away, Larnach calmly got on with the business of preparing for his own rides.
It was only when news filtered back later that Davis had died, that Larnach suddenly realised the horse was Mr Sox, and the jockey could so easily have been himself.
It was only when news filtered back later that Davis had died, that Larnach suddenly realised the horse was Mr Sox, and the jockey could so easily have been himself.
"A cold shiver went through me when I realised it was Mr Sox that Richard was riding,' he said later.
"A cold shiver went through me when I realised it was Mr Sox that Richard was riding,' he said later.
"This was the horse I had refused to ride at Plumpton in April.
"This was the horse I had refused to ride at Plumpton in April.
"Its trainer Laura Shally had rung my agent and said she had three horses for me.
"Its trainer Laura Shally had rung my agent and said she had three horses for me.
"She said I could go to her stables near Derby to sit on the horses and get a feel of them before they raced.
"She said I could go to her stables near Derby to sit on the horses and get a feel of them before they raced.
"Two of the horses jumped all right, but Mr Sox was a nightmare.
"Two of the horses jumped all right, but Mr Sox was a nightmare.
"He jumped appallingly, and I told her I thought it had something wrong with its backend. And I said I didn't want to ride it next day.
"He jumped appallingly, and I told her I thought it had something wrong with its backend. And I said I didn't want to ride it next day.
"From the way it struggled to take off, I was sure it was in a lot of pain."
"From the way it struggled to take off, I was sure it was in a lot of pain."
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A LONG HELD AND DEEPLY FELT REGRET
A LONG HELD AND DEEPLY FELT REGRET
by KEITH KNIGHT
by KEITH KNIGHT
My love of horse racing is even longer held than the deep regret that is the subject matter of this ‘piece’. It is so embedded in my soul that every nuance of the sport, every travail and everyday experience of the racing life finds a branch or tributary of my heart and mind to reside. If there was no horse racing I could not exist. Without the Racing Post my life would be diminished.
My love of horse racing is even longer held than the deep regret that is the subject matter of this ‘piece’. It is so embedded in my soul that every nuance of the sport, every travail and everyday experience of the racing life finds a branch or tributary of my heart and mind to reside. If there was no horse racing I could not exist. Without the Racing Post my life would be diminished.
Quite late in my teenage years I decided life and work in a city environment would be too much for me to handle and with racing being my only true interest I wrote to the Sporting Life asking for help in finding a job with racehorses. They published my letter and I was contacted by, if memory serves, over thirty trainers. I chose to work for a yard that primarily broke in Richard Hannon’s yearlings, though as a livery yard they took in all sorts of horses.
Quite late in my teenage years I decided life and work in a city environment would be too much for me to handle and with racing being my only true interest I wrote to the Sporting Life asking for help in finding a job with racehorses. They published my letter and I was contacted by, if memory serves, over thirty trainers. I chose to work for a yard that primarily broke in Richard Hannon’s yearlings, though as a livery yard they took in all sorts of horses.
Psychologically I have always been frail and in the twenty years I worked with racehorses I could never shake the feeling that I was out of my depth. I loved doing my three or four and enjoyed riding out, though not caring much for going racing. My love was for the horse and I envied those who rode with greater confidence and skill than I could achieve, especially the jockeys.
Psychologically I have always been frail and in the twenty years I worked with racehorses I could never shake the feeling that I was out of my depth. I loved doing my three or four and enjoyed riding out, though not caring much for going racing. My love was for the horse and I envied those who rode with greater confidence and skill than I could achieve, especially the jockeys.
My last ‘hands on’ experience with racehorses (there is an exception but it only lasted six weeks and is another story for another day) was ‘training’ (or assisting as head lad) point-to-pointers in Essex. We had such a good season that my employer took out a permit but luck and circumstance made this second season, though we had a winner, a sharp learning curve.
My last ‘hands on’ experience with racehorses (there is an exception but it only lasted six weeks and is another story for another day) was ‘training’ (or assisting as head lad) point-to-pointers in Essex. We had such a good season that my employer took out a permit but luck and circumstance made this second season, though we had a winner, a sharp learning curve.
Taking what I thought to be a sabbatical but became a fork in the road that took me up the dead-end that is the path I presently tread, I worked for two years as a cowman, milking a herd of sixty for Tony, brother of Terry, Biddlecombe. Tony is, in his way, a remarkable man. I heard it said he was as good a jockey as his brother. He was certainly better made for the job, being of slighter build to Terry, but gave up thoughts of being a professional jockey to run the family farm. He remained, though, a superb horseman, with the buying and selling of horses his great love.
Taking what I thought to be a sabbatical but became a fork in the road that took me up the dead-end that is the path I presently tread, I worked for two years as a cowman, milking a herd of sixty for Tony, brother of Terry, Biddlecombe. Tony is, in his way, a remarkable man. I heard it said he was as good a jockey as his brother. He was certainly better made for the job, being of slighter build to Terry, but gave up thoughts of being a professional jockey to run the family farm. He remained, though, a superb horseman, with the buying and selling of horses his great love.
Apart from catching the odd loose horse, I never went near the stables and tried to take only a passing interest in the horses that came and went from the farm. I viewed horses as an addiction and was trying to break the habit.
Apart from catching the odd loose horse, I never went near the stables and tried to take only a passing interest in the horses that came and went from the farm. I viewed horses as an addiction and was trying to break the habit.
One day a jockey turned up to sit on a horse owned by a friend of his. This jockey was Richard Davis.
One day a jockey turned up to sit on a horse owned by a friend of his. This jockey was Richard Davis.
Younger readers might now be thinking Richard Who? Richard rode at the time mainly for Venetia Williams, though many small yards put him up. Like other journeyman jockeys, as Tom Bellamy and James Best have proved recently, he was a fine horseman and when given the opportunity to display his skills was as effective as any of the big names.
Younger readers might now be thinking Richard Who? Richard rode at the time mainly for Venetia Williams, though many small yards put him up. Like other journeyman jockeys, as Tom Bellamy and James Best have proved recently, he was a fine horseman and when given the opportunity to display his skills was as effective as any of the big names.
I suggested to Richard, without making any promises, we might collaborate on a book detailing the everyday life of a jockey in his position. My idea was that he would provide a diary into which I would interpose pieces on the big racing stories of the week. The phrase ‘compare and contrast’ would summarise my construct for the book and as he led such a busy life it was decided I would transcribe his thoughts from tape on to paper.
I suggested to Richard, without making any promises, we might collaborate on a book detailing the everyday life of a jockey in his position. My idea was that he would provide a diary into which I would interpose pieces on the big racing stories of the week. The phrase ‘compare and contrast’ would summarise my construct for the book and as he led such a busy life it was decided I would transcribe his thoughts from tape on to paper.
What happened next was my error of judgement. I asked for a diary and that is exactly what Richard gave me. I have the manuscript still. In some ways I remain proud of it, even though it is in need of a professional editor, and no doubt a proof-reader. In the first 19 pages I set the scene, explaining Richard’s background and so on. His contributions begin on page 20, Wednesday November 1st. ‘Rode out 3 lots for Malcolm Jefferson, having travelled up from Toby’s the night before. On the way I looked in on Norman Williamson at Lambourn to see how he is, how he is coping with his broken leg’. Several paragraphs followed.
What happened next was my error of judgement. I asked for a diary and that is exactly what Richard gave me. I have the manuscript still. In some ways I remain proud of it, even though it is in need of a professional editor, and no doubt a proof-reader. In the first 19 pages I set the scene, explaining Richard’s background and so on. His contributions begin on page 20, Wednesday November 1st. ‘Rode out 3 lots for Malcolm Jefferson, having travelled up from Toby’s the night before. On the way I looked in on Norman Williamson at Lambourn to see how he is, how he is coping with his broken leg’. Several paragraphs followed.
The journal began okay, though as the season progressed I think his interest in the project waned. For example, Friday February 9th all I got was. ‘Rode 2 lots for Venetia. The rain came this morning and a good thaw set in. No racing again but they are hopeful Newbury will go ahead tomorrow’.
The journal began okay, though as the season progressed I think his interest in the project waned. For example, Friday February 9th all I got was. ‘Rode 2 lots for Venetia. The rain came this morning and a good thaw set in. No racing again but they are hopeful Newbury will go ahead tomorrow’.
As I said this was my error, not Richard’s. The book was my idea, I was the driver of the idea and I didn’t drive it hard enough. I should have said ‘we need more. You should be providing ‘mud on the page’ as Sean Magee later advised.
As I said this was my error, not Richard’s. The book was my idea, I was the driver of the idea and I didn’t drive it hard enough. I should have said ‘we need more. You should be providing ‘mud on the page’ as Sean Magee later advised.
But before I could get my act together Richard suffered that horrendous fall at Southwell and died of his injuries.
But before I could get my act together Richard suffered that horrendous fall at Southwell and died of his injuries.
I thought, perhaps naively, perhaps with self-interest in mind, that someone in racing, journalism or the publishing industry would take on our project and the book could be published as a memorial to Richard to raise funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund. But even though the Racing Post published an extract the manuscript remains solely in my care, though I did send a few copies to readers of the Racing Post who expressed an interest in reading about Richard.
I thought, perhaps naively, perhaps with self-interest in mind, that someone in racing, journalism or the publishing industry would take on our project and the book could be published as a memorial to Richard to raise funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund. But even though the Racing Post published an extract the manuscript remains solely in my care, though I did send a few copies to readers of the Racing Post who expressed an interest in reading about Richard.
I am being disingenuous to Sean Magee who did take an interest in the manuscript and at a meeting with him at the home and with Richard’s parents I gave the idea over to him to do with as he pleased. He wrote a book on journeyman jockeys and dedicated it to Richard. I was mentioned in the text but at the time of publication the topic was still too raw at my heart for me to read. I also must admit that I remained hurt and surprised that Richard had told no one, not even his family or girlfriend, about the project we were working on. A story in itself, perhaps.
I am being disingenuous to Sean Magee who did take an interest in the manuscript and at a meeting with him at the home and with Richard’s parents I gave the idea over to him to do with as he pleased. He wrote a book on journeyman jockeys and dedicated it to Richard. I was mentioned in the text but at the time of publication the topic was still too raw at my heart for me to read. I also must admit that I remained hurt and surprised that Richard had told no one, not even his family or girlfriend, about the project we were working on. A story in itself, perhaps.
In the light of his death certain procedures in racing changed. As a result of a hunting accident Richard had his spleen removed, this at the time did not need to be recorded in his medical book, although it is mentioned in our book. That he died of ‘uncontrollable bleeding’ and a lacerated liver, the lack of a spleen might have been a contributing cause of his death and if the medics at the course had known racing might have been abandoned so that Richard could have been taken immediately to hospital and not left for nearly half an hour in the doctor’s room.
In the light of his death certain procedures in racing changed. As a result of a hunting accident Richard had his spleen removed, this at the time did not need to be recorded in his medical book, although it is mentioned in our book. That he died of ‘uncontrollable bleeding’ and a lacerated liver, the lack of a spleen might have been a contributing cause of his death and if the medics at the course had known racing might have been abandoned so that Richard could have been taken immediately to hospital and not left for nearly half an hour in the doctor’s room.
Laura Shally, the trainer of the horse Richard rode that day, was rather unfairly blamed or took a lot of criticism for what happened and the Jockey Club upped their game after the inquiry as to what facilities trainers should have at their disposal before being granted a full licence.
Laura Shally, the trainer of the horse Richard rode that day, was rather unfairly blamed or took a lot of criticism for what happened and the Jockey Club upped their game after the inquiry as to what facilities trainers should have at their disposal before being granted a full licence.
Richard did not die in vain, you might say. As a direct result of his death rules of health and safety importance were altered.
Richard did not die in vain, you might say. As a direct result of his death rules of health and safety importance were altered.
I still feel, though, that I let down a fine man with a whole lot to live for and I hope his girlfriend has since found happiness. I continue to harbour regret for my inability to do anything positive in the aftermath of his death to provide a fitting memorial to him. The manuscript I produced is far too much ‘me, me, me’ for it to be a memorial to him, and that sadly shows me in a very poor light. After all the book was to be titled ‘The Richard Davis Journal’.
I still feel, though, that I let down a fine man with a whole lot to live for and I hope his girlfriend has since found happiness. I continue to harbour regret for my inability to do anything positive in the aftermath of his death to provide a fitting memorial to him. The manuscript I produced is far too much ‘me, me, me’ for it to be a memorial to him, and that sadly shows me in a very poor light. After all the book was to be titled ‘The Richard Davis Journal’.
Since 1997 Richard's memory has been perpetuated each year at Worcester with the running of the Richard Davis Memorial Handicap Chase. His parents and two brothers always present the prize to the winning connections In addition, the Richard Davis Trophy is awarded by the Cheltenham & Three Counties Race Club at the end of each National Hunt season to the top conditional jockey (on a points basis) at the three Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire courses. In addition, another Richard Davis Memorial Trophy is presented annually by the Jockeys Employment Training Scheme (JETS) each November at Cheltenham to reward the former jockey judged to have made the most significant progress in their post-racing career.
Since 1997 Richard's memory has been perpetuated each year at Worcester with the running of the Richard Davis Memorial Handicap Chase. His parents and two brothers always present the prize to the winning connections In addition, the Richard Davis Trophy is awarded by the Cheltenham & Three Counties Race Club at the end of each National Hunt season to the top conditional jockey (on a points basis) at the three Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire courses. In addition, another Richard Davis Memorial Trophy is presented annually by the Jockeys Employment Training Scheme (JETS) each November at Cheltenham to reward the former jockey judged to have made the most significant progress in their post-racing career.