David McCaskill

David McCaskill

Article by Alan Trout 

David Atherstone McCaskill rode under National Hunt rules during the late 1970s and early 80s and had 17 wins. 

Associated with Bob Johnson’s stable at Bishop Auckland, his first ride was at Market Rasen on August 6, 1979, when Secret Gold was always toiling in the Kesteven Selling Handicap Hurdle. Two further starts for the pair brought one third place, but at Perth on September 27 the five-year-old was always going well and came right away in the closing stages to take the Kinnoull Opportunity Selling Hurdle by seven lengths. Trained by Norman Chamberlain, Secret Gold showed that the Perth victory was no fluke when following up at Carlisle four days later, although this time he had to be ridden out to beat Secret Millie by a length and a half.

David had nearly 80 rides that season without further success but did better in 1980/81 with five wins, including two on the Bob Johnson-trained Bargellos Lady. The start of the next season went even better with four wins in August, including a double at Market Rasen. He won four more races on Bargellos Lady in the apace of 39 days. 

His final win was a comfortable success aboard What A Coup in the New Brio Novices’ Hurdle at Kelso on December 20, 1982, the margin of victory being seven lengths. It was the fourth race David had won on What A Coup, having previously combined to land a novice chase and two handicap chases, all at Hexham. However, the partnership did not prosper thereafter, resulting in three unplaced efforts.

David McCaskill’s winners were, in chronological order:

1. Secret Gold, Perth, September 27, 1979

2. Secret Gold, Carlisle, October 1, 1979

3. Who’s Free, Kelso, November 26, 1980

4. Merry Missus, Hexham, May 11, 1981

5. Bargellos Lady, Market Rasen, May 16, 1981

6. Bargellos Lady, Sedgefield, May 22, 1981

7. What A Coup, Hexham, May 25, 1981

8. Sir Jester, Market Rasen, August 1, 1981

9. Bargellos Lady, Market Rasen, August 3, 1981

10. Sorochinsky Fair, Market Rasen, August 29, 1981

11. Bargellos Lady, Market Rasen, August 29, 1981

12. Bargellos Lady, Hexham, September 7, 1981

13. Bargellos Lady, Sedgefield, September 11, 1981

14. Who’s Free, Carlisle, September 26, 1981

15. What A Coup, Hexham, November 6, 1981

16. What A Coup, Hexham, March 27, 1982

17. What A Coup, Kelso, December 20, 1982