Martin Hainsworth

Martin Hainsworth

Article by Alan Trout

Martin Anthony Hainsworth rode the first of his three winners under National Hunt rules at Newton Abbot on August 15, 1968, when Mine Head beat Sheba, the mount of Garry Williams, by a short head to land the Okemant Selling Handicap Hurdle, a race for novice riders. Formerly trained in Ireland, this was the nine-year-old’s first success in England and Martin’s first time aboard.   

Following a fall and a third-place finish on their next two starts, Martin and Mine Head struck again when winning the Shoreditch Handicap Hurdle at Taunton on September 21. Five days later they finished second in the Salisbury Handicap Hurdle at Wincanton but were disqualified for taking the wrong course. 

He relinquished his licence for a time but returned for one more success at Fontwell Park on September 2, 1970, when Pieter Graham II, trained like Mine Head by Nicholas Nutting, led nearly all the way to beat the odds-on favourite Springmount by three lengths in the Aldingbourne Selling Handicap Chase. Martin had no further chances to shine on the 12-year-old veteran as Pieter Graham II was sold at the post-race auction. He relinquished his licence a second time soon after and did not return. 

Martin Hainsworth’s wins were, in chronological order:

1. Mine Head, Newton Abbot, August 15, 1968

2. Mine Head, Taunton, September 21, 1968

3. Pieter Graham II, Fontwell Park, September 2, 1970