Geoff Lawson
1945 - 2001
1945 - 2001
Geoff Alec Lawson, born May 4, 1945, moved to Pulborough in 1973 after spending the previous 12 years first as an apprentice and then as jump jockey to Syd Dale in Epsom.
Geoff Alec Lawson, born May 4, 1945, moved to Pulborough in 1973 after spending the previous 12 years first as an apprentice and then as jump jockey to Syd Dale in Epsom.
It was for Dale that he had his first winner on the 25-1 chance Speculate at Brighton in 1961.
It was for Dale that he had his first winner on the 25-1 chance Speculate at Brighton in 1961.
He also rode Spy Net to win the Imperial Cup for Dale in 1972 and was associated with another of the stable's top jumpers, Black Justice, on whom he won over fences.
He also rode Spy Net to win the Imperial Cup for Dale in 1972 and was associated with another of the stable's top jumpers, Black Justice, on whom he won over fences.
He had ridden about 100 winners when he retired at the end of the 1970s.
He had ridden about 100 winners when he retired at the end of the 1970s.
During Geoff's years as assistant to Harwood, the stable rose through the ranks to become one of the most powerful and successful in Britain, with Classic and Group 1 winners like Dancing Brave, To-Agori-Mou, Kalaglow, Warning, Recitation and Rousillon.
During Geoff's years as assistant to Harwood, the stable rose through the ranks to become one of the most powerful and successful in Britain, with Classic and Group 1 winners like Dancing Brave, To-Agori-Mou, Kalaglow, Warning, Recitation and Rousillon.
Aged 56, Geoff's health rapidly declined, and, on 29 November, 2001, he died in the King Edward Vll Hospital at Midhurst.
Aged 56, Geoff's health rapidly declined, and, on 29 November, 2001, he died in the King Edward Vll Hospital at Midhurst.
Philip Mitchell paid tribute to him, saying: "He was one of my closest friends for 30 years and was a huge help to me when I started training. It is desperately sad that he has gone."
Philip Mitchell paid tribute to him, saying: "He was one of my closest friends for 30 years and was a huge help to me when I started training. It is desperately sad that he has gone."
The funeral was held at St Mary's, Pulborough.
The funeral was held at St Mary's, Pulborough.