Gary Bardwell

Born at Ifford on May 10, 1968, Gary Bardwell was the last jockey to win the apprentice championship twice; in 1987 with 27 wins and in 1988 with 39.

Known as the Angry Ant to the public and as 'Trevor' to his fellow jockeys, he rode his first winner, Beechwood Cottage, at Hamilton on October 21, 1985.

During a 19-year career, the 4 ft. 10 ins. Newmarket-based freelance rode over 400 winners, but, with just one winner for the season and a losing run of 138,  quit the saddle in 2003 because of dwindling rides for which he blamed increases in the minimum weight. He also cited the many good apprentices that appeared each year who, because of their allowance, trainers preferred to use.

In his early days he rode for Jeff Pearce and Mick Ryan and his big race wins included the 1987 Ayr Gold Cup (Not So Silly), the 1988 Bunbury Cup at Newmarket (Pinctada), the 1990 Royal Hunt Cup (Pontenuovo, 50/1) and the 1999 Lingfield Winter Derby (Supreme Sound). He also won two Chester Cups, Doyce in 1994 and Bangalore in 2000.  The last named won by a short-head, and earned Gary the 'Ride of the Year' award at the Lesters Ceremony.

Shippy Ellis, his agent of 17 years, said: 'Gary was an absolute joy to work with. He was always cheerful and would go anywhere to ride anything for anybody. Whatever chance his mount had, he would always give 100%.'

Gary Bardwell

Big winners

1987: Ayr Gold Cup – Not So Silly 

1988: Bunbury Cup - Pinctada

1990: Royal Hunt Cup – Pontenuovo  

1994: Chester Cup – Doyce

1999: Winter Derby – Supreme Sound

2000: Chester Cup - Bangalore