Eddie Brooke

Eddie Brooke

Article by Alan Trout

Edwin Brooke, known as Eddie, was associated with the redoubtable Tim Brookshaw’s Shropshire stable. After a slow start to his career he ended up with 16 wins spread over three seasons. 

His first ride in public was at Worcester on March 26, 1975, when the 12-year-old Tasty Son was tailed off in the Diglis Handicap Hurdle. His first win was a long time coming but the big day eventually arrived at Hereford on September 6, 1980, when the five-year-old Miss Purchase, making her seasonal debut, took the lead approaching the last flight and ran on to take the Dinmore Novices’ Hurdle by eight lengths. 

Brookshaw supplied Eddie with two more winners before the end of 1980. He then formed a useful partnership with the hurdler Fra Mau, trained by Sue Griffiths, winning five races on her, including valuable handicaps at Stratford and Worcester. 

Eddie enjoyed his most successful season in 1982/83 with seven victories, including a double at Uttoxeter completed by Spaced Out in the Uttoxeter Handicap Chase on Whit Monday, May 30. However, they turned out to be the last successes of his career. 

His final ride was at Huntingdon on February 7, 1985, when Bellamuse finished last in the Glatton Selling Hurdle (Division 2).