Tony Griffiths

Tony Griffiths

Article by Alan Trout

Although it took Anthony (Tony) Griffiths five years to ride his first winner over jumps, he finished his career with 15 victories.

His first ride was on Quizmaster, unplaced in the Wood Speen Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1 Part 2) at Newbury on November 4, 1976. It was not until Nottingham on November 9, 1981 that he opened his account when Echo Summit led from the 14th fence and came home six lengths ahead of Taramea Bay at the end of the River Trent Handicap Chase. The nine-year-old was owned and trained by Bryn Palling and made little show in six subsequent starts that season. 

Tony increased his tally of winners in each of the next three campaigns, achieving a best score of six in 1984/85, but the breakthrough failed to materialise. 

He had what proved to be his final success at Hereford on May 10, 1986, when Hayakaze took the lead on the run-in to land the McDonalds Long Distance Handicap Hurdle by a length. It was his sole success from nearly 50 rides that season. Next time out the combination finished seventh of 14 in the Carey Handicap Hurdle at the same course on May 26, which appears to have been Tony’s last ride.

Tony Griffiths’ winners were, in chronological order:

1. Echo Summit, Nottingham, November 9, 1981

2. Wee William, Stratford-on-Avon, October 23, 1982

3. Duke Of York, Hereford, May 30, 1983

4. Derbyshire Filet, Worcester, October 29, 1983

5. Go To Sleep, Taunton, January 10, 1984

6. Sir Lester, Uttoxeter, February 10, 1984

7. Sir Lester, Southwell, April 21, 1984

8. Duke Of York, Hereford, May 28, 1984

9. Hi High, Devon & Exeter, October 9, 1984

10. Batten, Southwell, April 4, 1985

11. Emlyn Princess, Ludlow, May 6, 1985

12. Emlyn Princess, Stratford-on-Avon, May 10, 1985

13. Bryma, Hereford, May 15, 1985

14. Prince’s Drive, Hereford, May 27, 1985

15. Hayakaze, Hereford, May 10, 1986