Michael Blagg
Article by Alan Trout
National Hunt jockey Michael Blagg held a licence for three seasons but rode just two winners, both in the 1956/57 campaign. Both were trained by Charles Beadell, who was based at Cranleigh, in Surrey.
Michael’s first win came in a novice riders’ race at Buckfastleigh on August 11, 1956 when his mount, Ambitieux, had only a neck to spare over Tschuggan, ridden by Eric Foster, in a close finish to the Hawson Selling Handicap Hurdle.
His second victory came at Wye on March 4, 1957, but it was a far easier success on 13-year-old veteran The Editor in the Dover Selling Handicap Chase, the margin being three lengths. Michael kept the ride on The Editor for the remainder of the season but they did not add to their score.
The Editor ran 14 times during the 1957/58 season without winning. Michael rode him for the final time at Fontwell Park on November 4, 1957, when finishing seventh of ten in the Craigwell Selling Handicap Chase. Reg Akehurst eventually took over on The Editor and managed to finish second once and third twice but was unable to get his head home in front.
