David Metcalfe
David Metcalfe
David Metcalfe
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
David Metcalf had six wins as an amateur, starting at Ayr on November 21, 1978, when Forest Guard took the lead at the last fence and went on to land the Dundonald Amateur Riders’ Handicap Chase by a length and a half. It was the only time David rode the Gordon W. Richards-trained seven-year-old, who failed to win in nine subsequent starts despite being ridden by top jockeys such as Ron Barry and David Goulding.
David Metcalf had six wins as an amateur, starting at Ayr on November 21, 1978, when Forest Guard took the lead at the last fence and went on to land the Dundonald Amateur Riders’ Handicap Chase by a length and a half. It was the only time David rode the Gordon W. Richards-trained seven-year-old, who failed to win in nine subsequent starts despite being ridden by top jockeys such as Ron Barry and David Goulding.
He had his second win at Market Rasen on April 27, when General Bruno forged to the front after the final fence to land the Grimsby Novices’ Chase (Division 2) by half a length. After three fourth-place finishes they struck again at Cartmel on Whit Monday, beating six rivals in the Cark Novices’ Chase.
He had his second win at Market Rasen on April 27, when General Bruno forged to the front after the final fence to land the Grimsby Novices’ Chase (Division 2) by half a length. After three fourth-place finishes they struck again at Cartmel on Whit Monday, beating six rivals in the Cark Novices’ Chase.
His first success the following season was at Sedgefield on November 6, when Joe Lee had five lengths to spare at the end of the Bishopton Novices’ Chase (Division 1). Then at Nottingham on February 18, 1980 he had a comfortable victory on Tamalin in the 17th/21st Lancers Challenge Cup Hunters’ Chase.
His first success the following season was at Sedgefield on November 6, when Joe Lee had five lengths to spare at the end of the Bishopton Novices’ Chase (Division 1). Then at Nottingham on February 18, 1980 he had a comfortable victory on Tamalin in the 17th/21st Lancers Challenge Cup Hunters’ Chase.
There was one more win to come, and again it was on General Bruno, landing the Faverdale Handicap Chase at Catterick on March 26 by three lengths. Next time out they finished second, beaten a length, at Fakenham on Easter Monday. Although David was also placed on General Bruno the following season, there were no more wins.
There was one more win to come, and again it was on General Bruno, landing the Faverdale Handicap Chase at Catterick on March 26 by three lengths. Next time out they finished second, beaten a length, at Fakenham on Easter Monday. Although David was also placed on General Bruno the following season, there were no more wins.
David Metcalfe’s wins were, in chronological order:
David Metcalfe’s wins were, in chronological order:
1. Forest Guard, Ayr, November 21, 1978
1. Forest Guard, Ayr, November 21, 1978
2. General Bruno, Market Rasen, April 27, 1979
2. General Bruno, Market Rasen, April 27, 1979
3. General Bruno, Cartmel, May 28, 1979
3. General Bruno, Cartmel, May 28, 1979
4. Joe Lee, Sedgefield, November 6, 1979
4. Joe Lee, Sedgefield, November 6, 1979
5. Tamalin, Nottingham, February 18, 1980
5. Tamalin, Nottingham, February 18, 1980
6. General Bruno, Catterick Bridge, March 26, 1980
6. General Bruno, Catterick Bridge, March 26, 1980