John Halford
John Halford
John Halford
Born on November 12, 1935, and educated at Rugby and Cambridge, Broughton-based amateur jockey John Halford rode nine winners in the first half of the 1960s.
Born on November 12, 1935, and educated at Rugby and Cambridge, Broughton-based amateur jockey John Halford rode nine winners in the first half of the 1960s.
He served in the 16/5 The Queen’s Royal Lancers for his National Service Commission from 1954 to 1956. He began riding as an amateur under National Hunt rules in 1958, his colours being Cambridge blue with a maroon checked cap.
He served in the 16/5 The Queen’s Royal Lancers for his National Service Commission from 1954 to 1956. He began riding as an amateur under National Hunt rules in 1958, his colours being Cambridge blue with a maroon checked cap.
His first winner was Tammy in the Jack Grange Four-Year-Old Hurdle (Division 2) at Wincanton on February 18, 1960, beating hurdle race specialist Johnnie Gilbert on the evens favourite Ora buy two lengths.
His first winner was Tammy in the Jack Grange Four-Year-Old Hurdle (Division 2) at Wincanton on February 18, 1960, beating hurdle race specialist Johnnie Gilbert on the evens favourite Ora buy two lengths.
A career highlight was riding a double at Newton Abbot on Easter Monday, April 18, 1960, winning the Elmhurst Handicap Hurdle on Periscope’s Luck and the Tower Handicap Chase on Square Shooter.
A career highlight was riding a double at Newton Abbot on Easter Monday, April 18, 1960, winning the Elmhurst Handicap Hurdle on Periscope’s Luck and the Tower Handicap Chase on Square Shooter.
All except Periscope’s Luck and Square Shooter (the second time he won on him) were owned by him and all were trained by Neville Dent at Brockenhurst Park Stables, in Hampshire.
All except Periscope’s Luck and Square Shooter (the second time he won on him) were owned by him and all were trained by Neville Dent at Brockenhurst Park Stables, in Hampshire.
Among John’s winners was 33-1 shot Chartres in the Normanton Juvenile Hurdle at Southwell on December 18, 1962. John had bought the horse at Ascot sales for 250 guineas just two months earlier.
Among John’s winners was 33-1 shot Chartres in the Normanton Juvenile Hurdle at Southwell on December 18, 1962. John had bought the horse at Ascot sales for 250 guineas just two months earlier.
His last winner was Berto in the Norton Novices’ Chase (Division 3) at Worcester on March 18, 1964.
His last winner was Berto in the Norton Novices’ Chase (Division 3) at Worcester on March 18, 1964.
In addition to his exploits as an amateur jockey, John also owned a small stud farm, breeding for Flat racing.
In addition to his exploits as an amateur jockey, John also owned a small stud farm, breeding for Flat racing.
John Halford’s winners were, in chronological order.
John Halford’s winners were, in chronological order.
1. Tammy, Wincanton, February 18, 1960
1. Tammy, Wincanton, February 18, 1960
2. Periscope’s Luck, Newton Abbot, April 18, 1960
2. Periscope’s Luck, Newton Abbot, April 18, 1960
3. Square Shooter, Newton Abbot, April 18, 1960
3. Square Shooter, Newton Abbot, April 18, 1960
4. Tammy, Worcester, March 25, 1961
4. Tammy, Worcester, March 25, 1961
5. Square Shooter, Newton Abbot, April 3, 1961
5. Square Shooter, Newton Abbot, April 3, 1961
6. Tammy, Towcester, October 28, 1961
6. Tammy, Towcester, October 28, 1961
7. Chartres, Southwell, December 17, 1962
7. Chartres, Southwell, December 17, 1962
8.. Tammy, Hereford, May 18, 1963
8.. Tammy, Hereford, May 18, 1963
9. Berto, Worcester, March 18, 1964
9. Berto, Worcester, March 18, 1964
John's double at Newton Abbot: Periscope's Luck & Square Shooter