Bernard Gattrell

Bernard Gattrell

Article by Alan Trout

Bernard Gattrell rode a couple of winners under National Hunt rules in the early 1970s 

He rode for trainer Ken Cundell and finished second on his first start at Wincanton on January 13, 1972. His mount, the six-year-old Ephessos, took the lead with two flights to jump in the Jaunt Opportunity Selling Handicap Hurdle but was challenged coming to the last by Mick Wagner on Cold Henry, who quickened on the flat to win by three lengths.   

Bernard rode his first winner at Towcester on April 22, 1972, when the 12-year-old Slave Driver recorded a comfortable victory in the Tiffield Opportunity Selling Handicap Chase, taking the lead at the fifth fence and beating Some Tulip, ridden by Paul Elliott, by four lengths. 

Slave Driver never ran again and it was nearly 18 months before Bernard entered the winner’s enclosure again, coming out on top in the three-runner Patcham Selling Handicap Hurdle at Plumpton on September 11, 1973. His mount, the six-year-old Kelloy, trained by former champion jump jockey Bryan Marshall, took the lead approaching the final flight and ran on to beat Pinfold, the mount of Tim Norman, by four lengths. 

Bernard partnered Kelloy in a total of 18 races but only achieved two other minor places. Their final outing together was at Southwell on April 11, 1974, when unplaced in the Annesley Handicap Hurdle. That was Bernard’s last ride.