Trevor Heath
National Hunt jockey Trevor Heath was an enthusiastic rider of ponies from an early age but his introduction to a racehorse might be termed a chance ride. Trevor was brought up at a hunting yard perched next to the dirt canter on the Kinnersley estate, just outside Worcester, where Fred Rimell trained. Watching the string go by the house one day with his father, a lad had the misfortune to be dropped. Fred invited Trevor to canter the horse back up to the yard.
National Hunt jockey Trevor Heath was an enthusiastic rider of ponies from an early age but his introduction to a racehorse might be termed a chance ride. Trevor was brought up at a hunting yard perched next to the dirt canter on the Kinnersley estate, just outside Worcester, where Fred Rimell trained. Watching the string go by the house one day with his father, a lad had the misfortune to be dropped. Fred invited Trevor to canter the horse back up to the yard.
Trevor then spent weekends and holidays there before signing on with Fred Rimell after leaving school. He had his first ride at Ludlow when he was just 16. He rode his first winner on Emperor’s Jade in the Southam Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham on November 7, 1975.
Trevor then spent weekends and holidays there before signing on with Fred Rimell after leaving school. He had his first ride at Ludlow when he was just 16. He rode his first winner on Emperor’s Jade in the Southam Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham on November 7, 1975.
His three wins in the 1978/79 season, all of them trained by Rimell, comprised Saintly Sorrel in the Warrnambool Trophy Handicap Hurdle at Stratford on November 16, 1978, and novice hurdlers Army Lad at Wolverhampton in January and Haldoon at Uttoxeter in April.
His three wins in the 1978/79 season, all of them trained by Rimell, comprised Saintly Sorrel in the Warrnambool Trophy Handicap Hurdle at Stratford on November 16, 1978, and novice hurdlers Army Lad at Wolverhampton in January and Haldoon at Uttoxeter in April.
Trevor had plenty of mounts but was one of a number of skilled riders and dedicated staff who worked for Fred Rimell. On the day that Rimell’s Gay Trip won the 1970 Grand National, on the same card he led up Palm Beach, whom he had looked after for several years, to win the last race of the day on the Flat ridden by Lester Piggott.
Trevor had plenty of mounts but was one of a number of skilled riders and dedicated staff who worked for Fred Rimell. On the day that Rimell’s Gay Trip won the 1970 Grand National, on the same card he led up Palm Beach, whom he had looked after for several years, to win the last race of the day on the Flat ridden by Lester Piggott.
Trevor had his final ride on Rimell’s grand servant Western Rose, who was by then 13 years old, in the Heavitree Brewery Challenge Cup Handicap Chase at Devon & Exeter on May 6, 1985, finishing sixth. That was Western Rose’s last race too – they retired together!
Trevor had his final ride on Rimell’s grand servant Western Rose, who was by then 13 years old, in the Heavitree Brewery Challenge Cup Handicap Chase at Devon & Exeter on May 6, 1985, finishing sixth. That was Western Rose’s last race too – they retired together!
After finishing riding, Trevor joined Paul Webber’s Cropredy Lawn stables, near Mollington, as head lad, a position he held for more than 20 years. On August 23, 2007 he was recognised by the Trevor Heath Lifetime in Racing Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at Stratford.
After finishing riding, Trevor joined Paul Webber’s Cropredy Lawn stables, near Mollington, as head lad, a position he held for more than 20 years. On August 23, 2007 he was recognised by the Trevor Heath Lifetime in Racing Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at Stratford.
