Colin Astbury

Colin Frederick Astbury, born on September 20, 1951, was apprenticed to Earl Jones.

He was brought down at the eighth on Karacola in 1974, his only ride in the Grand National.

In 1976 he rode Barbecue to win the Princess Royal Handicap Hurdle.

He became champion jockey of Norway in 1977.

His first winner, Hard Nut, came at Hereford in May 1970, and the greatest number of winners ridden in a year (in Britain)  was 18 in the 1972/73 winter.

He nominated his win at Cheltenham, on Arctic Moss, 10/1 - on his 21st birthday - as the highlight of his early career.

Colin lived for a time at 5, Longford Road, Bridgtown, Cannock (Staffs. He enjoyed television and playing records.