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Michael Leak
Michael Leak
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
A bad fall at Newton Abbot ended the promising career of young Michael Leak who had ridden four winners under National Hunt rules.
A bad fall at Newton Abbot ended the promising career of young Michael Leak who had ridden four winners under National Hunt rules.
He had led until halfway on his first ride in public, in the Portman Handicap Hurdle at Wincanton on March 11, 1976, but his mount, the five-year-old Culberge, then faded and finished sixth of the nine runners.
He had led until halfway on his first ride in public, in the Portman Handicap Hurdle at Wincanton on March 11, 1976, but his mount, the five-year-old Culberge, then faded and finished sixth of the nine runners.
It was at Kempton Park on November 16, 1977 that he enjoyed his first success when Soon For Sale, trained by Ian Wardle, with whose stable he was associated, scored by 20 lengths in the Uxbridge Opportunity Handicap Chase. Michael regularly rode the five-year-old and had already finished second twice on him.
It was at Kempton Park on November 16, 1977 that he enjoyed his first success when Soon For Sale, trained by Ian Wardle, with whose stable he was associated, scored by 20 lengths in the Uxbridge Opportunity Handicap Chase. Michael regularly rode the five-year-old and had already finished second twice on him.
Thirteen days later the pair were reunited at Huntingdon and won again, but this time they had to work much harder, beating Holly Park by two lengths in the Bedford Opportunity Handicap Chase. They were unable to add to their tally, despite being placed three times from four subsequent starts.
Thirteen days later the pair were reunited at Huntingdon and won again, but this time they had to work much harder, beating Holly Park by two lengths in the Bedford Opportunity Handicap Chase. They were unable to add to their tally, despite being placed three times from four subsequent starts.
Michael had his third win at Chepstow on Easter Monday when Escapologist, also trained by Ian Wardle, took the leading approaching the last flight and ran on to take the Beachley Handicap Hurdle. It was Michael’s third ride on the six-year-old and they had been placed on both previous starts.
Michael had his third win at Chepstow on Easter Monday when Escapologist, also trained by Ian Wardle, took the leading approaching the last flight and ran on to take the Beachley Handicap Hurdle. It was Michael’s third ride on the six-year-old and they had been placed on both previous starts.
He rode what proved to be his final winner at Devon & Exeter on May 4, when the eight-year-old Whistler’s Lane scored by 12 lengths in the Dartmoor Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1, Part 2).
He rode what proved to be his final winner at Devon & Exeter on May 4, when the eight-year-old Whistler’s Lane scored by 12 lengths in the Dartmoor Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1, Part 2).
Michael’s last ride was on Pertune in Moreton Hampstead Novices’ Hurdle at Newton Abbot on August 28, 1978. They were leading the field when falling two out. Michael suffered severe, near fatal, head injuries which ended his career.
Michael’s last ride was on Pertune in Moreton Hampstead Novices’ Hurdle at Newton Abbot on August 28, 1978. They were leading the field when falling two out. Michael suffered severe, near fatal, head injuries which ended his career.
However, he went on to make a remarkable recovery. The following year, Lord Oaksey presented him with the inaugural Michael Ayres Award, given by the South West Racing Club at the club’s dinner in the grandstand restaurant of Newton Abbot racecourse, in recognition of his courageous fightback from the effects of the fall, which, Ayres said, had been an inspiration to everyone.
However, he went on to make a remarkable recovery. The following year, Lord Oaksey presented him with the inaugural Michael Ayres Award, given by the South West Racing Club at the club’s dinner in the grandstand restaurant of Newton Abbot racecourse, in recognition of his courageous fightback from the effects of the fall, which, Ayres said, had been an inspiration to everyone.
Michael Leak’s wins were, in chronological order:
Michael Leak’s wins were, in chronological order:
1. Soon For Sale, Kempton Park, November 16, 1977
1. Soon For Sale, Kempton Park, November 16, 1977
2. Soon For Sale, Huntingdon, November 29, 1978
2. Soon For Sale, Huntingdon, November 29, 1978
3. Escapologist, Chepstow, March 27, 1978
3. Escapologist, Chepstow, March 27, 1978
4. Whistler’s Lane, Devon & Exeter, May 4, 1979
4. Whistler’s Lane, Devon & Exeter, May 4, 1979
Michael Leak's first winner:
Soon For Sale, Kempton Park, November 16, 1977
Michael's fourth & last winner:
Whistler’s Lane, Devon & Exeter, May 4, 1979
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