Geoff Coatsworth

Born on May 6, 1938, owner-rider Geoffrey Michael Readhead Coatsworth trained half a dozen horses under permit at Bolam White House, Belsay, near Newcastle-on-Tyne.

The most successful of them was Mister Sunshine, on whom he won twice during the 1964/65 campaign, firstly an Ayr novices’ hurdle in March and then the Colonel John McKie Memorial Challenge Cup Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle at Hexham on Whit Monday. They combined to win a handicap hurdle at Ayr the following season.

His other good horse was Ride Light, on whom he was placed on several occasions and won an amateur riders’ novices’ hurdle race at Kelso in November 1971. That was his last winner.

Geoff also owned, trained and rode a horse named Bolam Pride, on whom he finished in the frame on several occasions without being able to win. He retired from riding at the end of 1973 and Bolam Pride joined Stan Palmer’s stable.

Geoff Coatsworth’s winners were:

1. Mister Sunshine, Ayr, March 15, 1965

2. Mister Sunshine, Hexham, May 26, 1965

3. Mister Sunshine, Ayr, January 4, 1966

4. Ride Light, Kelso, November 10, 1971