Not many 7lb claimers get to ride a Cheltenham Festival winner but Gary Crone did.
Gary was born on March 17, 1971. He started in racing as a stable lad in Sussex and went on to achieve modest success as a National Hunt jockey. He achieved by far his biggest victory when winning the 1996 Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup Handicap Chase on 14-1 shot Old Bridge for trainer Andrew Turnell.
The horse was set to carry 10st but Gary’s 7lb claim brought that down to just 9st 7lb. He needed all of that allowance for it enabled him to hold on by half a length from Call It A Day, the mount of Charlie Swan.
Gary doubled as a jockey and worked at Turnell’s stables at East Hendred. He then became head lad for Wantage trainer David Gandolfo, where his wife Louise was travelling head girl. However, having failed to achieve his ambition of becoming a top-flight jockey. he opted for a complete change of direction and joined the Oxfordshire Fire Service.
The unusual career change earned him a special racing industry award of £500 in recognition of his effort and initiative in developing a new career. The award was presented by the Jockeys Employment and Training Scheme - JETS - which advises Jockeys who decide to start a new job.
