David Halford
David Halford
Article by Alan Trout
Thomas David Halford, who rode under his second forename, had just one success under National Hunt rules when 10-1 shot Marjo won the Pease Pottage Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2) at Plumpton on May 5, 1969.
Thomas David Halford, who rode under his second forename, had just one success under National Hunt rules when 10-1 shot Marjo won the Pease Pottage Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2) at Plumpton on May 5, 1969.
The winner was trained at Tadworth, Surrey, by Pat Mahoney, with whom David was based. Mahoney had enjoyed by far his greatest day as a jockey when winning the 1967 Topham Trophy over the Grand National fences on the grey Georgetown.
The winner was trained at Tadworth, Surrey, by Pat Mahoney, with whom David was based. Mahoney had enjoyed by far his greatest day as a jockey when winning the 1967 Topham Trophy over the Grand National fences on the grey Georgetown.
Four-year-old Marjo had just a head to spare at the finish from the 11-4 favourite Hiyall, ridden by the much more experienced Denis McCarthy. Indeed, Marjo may have been a fortunate winner, for Hiyall, who had taken the lead at the seventh flight, was only caught close home and finished lame.
Four-year-old Marjo had just a head to spare at the finish from the 11-4 favourite Hiyall, ridden by the much more experienced Denis McCarthy. Indeed, Marjo may have been a fortunate winner, for Hiyall, who had taken the lead at the seventh flight, was only caught close home and finished lame.
Marjo had not shown much form during the season. David had ridden her five times, including on her hurdling debut when she was pulled up at Sandown Park in November. Following their Plumpton victory, they had one more outing together that season, when finishing seventh of 18 at Towcester on May 24.
Marjo had not shown much form during the season. David had ridden her five times, including on her hurdling debut when she was pulled up at Sandown Park in November. Following their Plumpton victory, they had one more outing together that season, when finishing seventh of 18 at Towcester on May 24.
Marjo reappeared in Ireland 18 months later. David Halford, who mustered just one third place to add to his sole success from 19 rides during that 1968/69 campaign, held a licence for one more season but rode no more winners.
Marjo reappeared in Ireland 18 months later. David Halford, who mustered just one third place to add to his sole success from 19 rides during that 1968/69 campaign, held a licence for one more season but rode no more winners.
