Geoffrey Gregson
1921 - 2006
1921 - 2006
Geoffrey George Alexander Gregson, a successful owner, trainer, amateur rider and breeder, was born on June 8, 1921. His racing colours were tangerine, black sleeves and cap.
Geoffrey George Alexander Gregson, a successful owner, trainer, amateur rider and breeder, was born on June 8, 1921. His racing colours were tangerine, black sleeves and cap.
A farmer by profession, he served as a soldier in the 9th Lancers. He began riding in races in 1954, taking out a permit trainer’s licence in 1958. He rode his horse Comforting Wave to win five chases during the mid-1960s, beginning with the Past and Present Hunters’ Chase at Sandown’s 1964 Grand Military meeting. He then won a Taunton hunter chase on him in May.
A farmer by profession, he served as a soldier in the 9th Lancers. He began riding in races in 1954, taking out a permit trainer’s licence in 1958. He rode his horse Comforting Wave to win five chases during the mid-1960s, beginning with the Past and Present Hunters’ Chase at Sandown’s 1964 Grand Military meeting. He then won a Taunton hunter chase on him in May.
Switched to handicaps, Geoffrey rode Comforting Wave to another Taunton victory later that year. Having finished second twice the following season, they soon returned to winning ways, scoring twice in August 1966, at Fontwell and Taunton. Comforting Wave won again at Plumpton in September, this time partnered by Stan Mellor as his owner was unable to make the weight.
Switched to handicaps, Geoffrey rode Comforting Wave to another Taunton victory later that year. Having finished second twice the following season, they soon returned to winning ways, scoring twice in August 1966, at Fontwell and Taunton. Comforting Wave won again at Plumpton in September, this time partnered by Stan Mellor as his owner was unable to make the weight.
As a permit holder, his most notable performer was Rock Saint in the mid-1980s and early 1990s. A Lingfield specialist, he won seven times there and had a handicap chase named after him in the 1990s. He also scored an extraordinary 33/1 victory in a BBC-televised novices’ chase at Cheltenham in January 1994, when jockey Gerry Newman brought him with a storming late run from a seemingly hopeless position to get up in the last few strides. Rock Saint’s last win came at his beloved Lingfield when aged 14 in March 1992. He made his farewell appearance in the equivalent race the following year, aged 15, finishing a respectable fourth.
As a permit holder, his most notable performer was Rock Saint in the mid-1980s and early 1990s. A Lingfield specialist, he won seven times there and had a handicap chase named after him in the 1990s. He also scored an extraordinary 33/1 victory in a BBC-televised novices’ chase at Cheltenham in January 1994, when jockey Gerry Newman brought him with a storming late run from a seemingly hopeless position to get up in the last few strides. Rock Saint’s last win came at his beloved Lingfield when aged 14 in March 1992. He made his farewell appearance in the equivalent race the following year, aged 15, finishing a respectable fourth.
Geoffrey ran his family’s Beech Tree Stud, near Shepton Mallet. They stood the stallion Greensmith, who sired Green Tango, winner of several chases for Henry Daly.
Geoffrey ran his family’s Beech Tree Stud, near Shepton Mallet. They stood the stallion Greensmith, who sired Green Tango, winner of several chases for Henry Daly.
Geoffrey Gregson died in October 2006, aged 85, after suffering from an illness for two years. He left a wife Undine, who took over the running of the stud with her son Mark. Their other son, Charles, was involved in point-to-point racing.
Geoffrey Gregson died in October 2006, aged 85, after suffering from an illness for two years. He left a wife Undine, who took over the running of the stud with her son Mark. Their other son, Charles, was involved in point-to-point racing.
Geoffrey Gregson’s winners under National Hunt rules were, in chronological order:
Geoffrey Gregson’s winners under National Hunt rules were, in chronological order:
1. Comforting Wave, Sandown Park, March 13, 1964
1. Comforting Wave, Sandown Park, March 13, 1964
2. Comforting Wave, Taunton, May 7, 1964
2. Comforting Wave, Taunton, May 7, 1964
3. Comforting Wave, Taunton, November 28, 1964
3. Comforting Wave, Taunton, November 28, 1964
4. Comforting Wave Fontwell Park, August 22, 1966
4. Comforting Wave Fontwell Park, August 22, 1966
5. Comforting Wave, Taunton, August 30, 1966
5. Comforting Wave, Taunton, August 30, 1966
