Don Morris

1938 - 1966

Born in Scarborough on May 14, 1938, Donald Morris was apprenticed to Captain Charles Elsey and rode his first winner, Beethoven, at Pontefract on October 29, 1955.

Don was still at school when he cycled the 44 miles from his Harrogate home to Elsey's stables at Malton in 1954. He was given a month's trial and joined the stable on leaving school.

He won the 1962 Ebor (Sostenuto) and the 1965 Great Metropolitan (Romp Home).

Tragically, Don was killed in a car crash, aged 28, on December 17, 1966.

His son, Stuart - born on February 6, 1961, also became a jockey and was champion apprentice in Hong Kong.

Don rode a total of 179 winners.

Big winners

1958: Manchester Cup – Great Rock

1958: Lanark Silver Bell – Cannebiere

1959: Northumberland Plate – Cannebiere

1960: City of Birmingham Cup – Silent Waters

1962: Usher-Vaux Gold Tankard – Rosie Wings

1962: Ebor Handicap – Sostenuto

1963: Andy Capp Handicap – Dion

1964: Carlisle Bell – Karelia

1965: Great Metropolitan Handicap – Romp Home

Article courtesy Chas Hammond