David Harrison
David Paul Harrison was born in Denbighshire, July 8, 1972 and, because he was small, he was unsure of what he wanted to do when he left school. He sought advice from his careers teacher, informing him that he was interested in sport. David was given a leaflet for the British Racing School. He was then 16 and had never ridden a horse before. At the Racing School, he was thrown in at the deep end.
David Paul Harrison was born in Denbighshire, July 8, 1972 and, because he was small, he was unsure of what he wanted to do when he left school. He sought advice from his careers teacher, informing him that he was interested in sport. David was given a leaflet for the British Racing School. He was then 16 and had never ridden a horse before. At the Racing School, he was thrown in at the deep end.
Recalling his first morning there David said, “A girl in my class said she had horses so it was arranged one morning that I would go on a ride out with her. But on the way back we were riding on the grass verge next to the dual-carriageway so had to canter as the horses could get spooked if you went too slow. However, my horse started getting quicker and quicker and the next minute I was in a flat-out gallop. Thank god the horse pulled himself up at the end of the path just before a big roundabout. I just remember the speed of going that fast on an animal, it was a real buzz.”
Recalling his first morning there David said, “A girl in my class said she had horses so it was arranged one morning that I would go on a ride out with her. But on the way back we were riding on the grass verge next to the dual-carriageway so had to canter as the horses could get spooked if you went too slow. However, my horse started getting quicker and quicker and the next minute I was in a flat-out gallop. Thank god the horse pulled himself up at the end of the path just before a big roundabout. I just remember the speed of going that fast on an animal, it was a real buzz.”
After joining the British Racing School, he was sent to the stable of William Hastings-Bass for three months to gain experience. He then completed his course at the British Racing School before rejoining Hastings-Bass as an apprentice. His first winner was Majestic Image at Southwell on March 1, 1991.
After joining the British Racing School, he was sent to the stable of William Hastings-Bass for three months to gain experience. He then completed his course at the British Racing School before rejoining Hastings-Bass as an apprentice. His first winner was Majestic Image at Southwell on March 1, 1991.
David was the champion apprentice in 1992 with 56 winners.
David was the champion apprentice in 1992 with 56 winners.
When, in 1990, Hastings-Bass became the Queen's trainer and consequently moved from Newmarket to Berkshire, David was happy to follow. He rode his first winner for the Queen in 1991. He was to ride a further 26 in the royal colours including Colour Sergeant in the Royal Hunt Cup, her first Royal Ascot winner for 25 years.
When, in 1990, Hastings-Bass became the Queen's trainer and consequently moved from Newmarket to Berkshire, David was happy to follow. He rode his first winner for the Queen in 1991. He was to ride a further 26 in the royal colours including Colour Sergeant in the Royal Hunt Cup, her first Royal Ascot winner for 25 years.
His 11-year riding career came to an abrupt end when a fall on May 30, 2001, from My Chief at Sha Tin racecourse left him with spinal injuries.
His 11-year riding career came to an abrupt end when a fall on May 30, 2001, from My Chief at Sha Tin racecourse left him with spinal injuries.
He remained in racing as a jockey's agent.
He remained in racing as a jockey's agent.
Big winners
Big winners
1992: Royal Hunt Cup – Colour Sergeant
1992: Royal Hunt Cup – Colour Sergeant
1993: Cambridgeshire Handicap – Penny Drops
1993: Cambridgeshire Handicap – Penny Drops
1995: Northumberland Plate – Bold Gait
1995: Northumberland Plate – Bold Gait
1997: Italian Derby – Single Empire
1997: Italian Derby – Single Empire
1999: Hong Kong Derby – Holy Grail
1999: Hong Kong Derby – Holy Grail
2000: Irish St Leger – Arctic Owl
2000: Irish St Leger – Arctic Owl