John Leech
John, born in The Wirral, Cheshire, on February 8, 1938, served a three year apprenticeship with Ernie Davey at Malton. He also did his National service: he wanted to be with horses so he applied to join the veterinary corps but only dog handlers were required at that time and he ended up in Singapore.
John, born in The Wirral, Cheshire, on February 8, 1938, served a three year apprenticeship with Ernie Davey at Malton. He also did his National service: he wanted to be with horses so he applied to join the veterinary corps but only dog handlers were required at that time and he ended up in Singapore.
The son of a farmer, he came out of the RAVC in 1958 and tried to pick up the threads of a racing career.
The son of a farmer, he came out of the RAVC in 1958 and tried to pick up the threads of a racing career.
Initially, with George Owen, he left through lack of rides and, going north, joined John Dixon. In that season 60/61, he rode five winners, then Dixon gave up training - preferring farming - and John moved on to Harry Bell, for whom he rode for the next two-and-a-half years. He was averaging about 15 winners a season when Selkirk trainer Bobby Fairbairn asked to to become his stable jockey.
Initially, with George Owen, he left through lack of rides and, going north, joined John Dixon. In that season 60/61, he rode five winners, then Dixon gave up training - preferring farming - and John moved on to Harry Bell, for whom he rode for the next two-and-a-half years. He was averaging about 15 winners a season when Selkirk trainer Bobby Fairbairn asked to to become his stable jockey.
Gradually, John's fortune changed.
Gradually, John's fortune changed.
In 1966, he rode the Scottish Grand National winner, African Patrol, for Fairbairn, and won the following year's Great Yorkshire Chase on Spear Fir.
In 1966, he rode the Scottish Grand National winner, African Patrol, for Fairbairn, and won the following year's Great Yorkshire Chase on Spear Fir.
Ex-jockey turned trainer Tim Molony then asked John to partner Rutherfords at Wetherby. John brought the horse home in second behind Freddie, and, on the strength of that performance, was asked to ride it in that year's Grand National.
Ex-jockey turned trainer Tim Molony then asked John to partner Rutherfords at Wetherby. John brought the horse home in second behind Freddie, and, on the strength of that performance, was asked to ride it in that year's Grand National.
So, aged 29, the Cheshire born jockey lined up at the start of what was to become one of the most memorable Nationals ever. Having been badly hampered at what was is now known as 'Foinavon's Fence' where most of the field came to a shuddering halt, he remounted, eventually finishing sixteenth, but not before wondering whether he had actually climbed back on the right horse in the melee.
So, aged 29, the Cheshire born jockey lined up at the start of what was to become one of the most memorable Nationals ever. Having been badly hampered at what was is now known as 'Foinavon's Fence' where most of the field came to a shuddering halt, he remounted, eventually finishing sixteenth, but not before wondering whether he had actually climbed back on the right horse in the melee.
John was taught to ride at the age of 12 on a pony his father bought for him from Tim Brookshaw.
John was taught to ride at the age of 12 on a pony his father bought for him from Tim Brookshaw.
Big winners:
Big winners:
1962: Victory Chase – Too Slow
1962: Victory Chase – Too Slow
1966: Scottish Grand National – African Patrol
1966: Scottish Grand National – African Patrol
1967: Great Yorkshire Chase – Spear Fir
1967: Great Yorkshire Chase – Spear Fir
