Martin Bridgman

Martin Bridgman

Article by Alan Trout

Martin Bridgman rode over jumps in the 1980s and won two races. A conditional jockey with permit holder Stuart Pattemore, he had his first ride at Newton Abbot on December 12, 1982.. His mount, Dave The Rave, was lying in third place, albeit well held, when unseating Martin at the final flight. That appears to have been his only ride that season. 

At Wincanton on September 30, 1983, Dave The Rave made amends by giving Martin his first success with a comfortable victory in the Okeford Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase, beating Metela by six lengths. 

Following a well-beaten effort over hurdles at Ascot on October 29, Martin and his eight-year-old partner reverted to the larger obstacles and won the Olney Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase at Towcester on November 6, beating Latin American by a length and a half. 

Dave The Rave only ran once more after that, and although Martin persevered, linking up with former jump jockey Jimmy Fox at one stage, there were no more wins. His final ride was on Hightown Fontana, trailing in 20th of 23 finishers in the Winchcombe Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on January 25, 1986, having been prominent until the third last flight.