George Colling

Before becoming the brilliant trainer of the likes of Wilwyn (Washington International) & Nimbus (2,000 Guineas & Derby), George Scott Colling - born at Habton, near Malton - was not an inconsiderable jockey.

Because of his looks, - thin, dark and somewhat delicate - he was singled out at school by those who skitted the way he anxiously looked after himself: the sad truth was the George was never a well person and was often far more ill than he let on.

He had faultless manners, high standards of conduct, a laid back sense of humour and was the most loyal of friends.

Unquestionably, he enjoyed sports. He was a good shot and adored golf to such an extent that he eventually became captain of the Royal Worlington & Newmarket Golf Clubs (usually referred to as Mildenhall).

George had been born into a racing family. His father, Bob, had been a trainer & a master of hounds. His mother was a daughter of Robert l'Anson, the famous National Hunt jockey. His elder brother, Jack, trained successfully for many years.

Both George & Jack rode as apprentices to their father. Both enjoyed considerable success with George riding 72 winners in 1919.

George was then offered a retainer by Lord Derby for whom he went on to win The Park Hill Stakes on Redhill.

He was always fighting a losing battle against the scales however, and, in 1922, when forced to retire earlier than he would have wished, became assistant trainer to his brother Jack, then established at Newmarket.

George then ran a stud for many years before setting up as a trainer on his own in 1935. He had not really got going when the war intervened. 

He joined the Royal Artillery, but because of his weak disposition, was invalided out in 1942. It was the start of a long battle against ill-health.

In 1950, Lord Derby once again stepped in with an offer, wishing George to train for him at Stanley House. Though not completely happy with his new surroundings, George nonetheless sent out 62 winners in his first season. His move back to Hurworth House however, was not without delight.

Manny Mercer was apprenticed to George who never forgot one particular evening when Manny drove him back from Newcastle in his Jaguar at 120 mph. 

Manny and George were to die in the same year.

George retired in 1955.

George had been ill for a long time when, on Saturday, 18 April, 1959, he died at a Bournemouth hospital.

The 43 horses at Hunworth House had been under the care of Mr John Oxley for quite some time.

In 1929, he married Kathleen, daughter of the trainer, Frank Barling.