Donald Martin
Donald Martin
Donald Martin
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
Although he had a few rides on the Flat, Donald Gordon Martin’s only winners, three in all, were gained under National Hunt rules.
Although he had a few rides on the Flat, Donald Gordon Martin’s only winners, three in all, were gained under National Hunt rules.
Apprenticed to Harry Lowe, he had in first ride on Nip In The Bid, a well-beaten third of four in the Dymchurch Welter Plate at Folkestone on September 3, 1927. More than eight years would elapse before he registered his first win, and even that had to be shared.
Apprenticed to Harry Lowe, he had in first ride on Nip In The Bid, a well-beaten third of four in the Dymchurch Welter Plate at Folkestone on September 3, 1927. More than eight years would elapse before he registered his first win, and even that had to be shared.
His first ride under National Hunt rules was in the Yatesbury Selling Hurdle at Newbury on December 29, 1933, when Mittagong finished unplaced. Nearly two years passed before, at Gatwick on December 5, 1935, Donald on Davy Jones and Matt Feakes on Lights Of Westminster could not be separated at the end of the Novices’ Chase.
His first ride under National Hunt rules was in the Yatesbury Selling Hurdle at Newbury on December 29, 1933, when Mittagong finished unplaced. Nearly two years passed before, at Gatwick on December 5, 1935, Donald on Davy Jones and Matt Feakes on Lights Of Westminster could not be separated at the end of the Novices’ Chase.
Back at Gatwick on January 4, 1936, Davy Jones showed his liking for the course when he and Donald combined to win the Crawley Chase, beating Remus by three lengths. Ego, who was to finish second in that year’s Grand National, dead-heated for third place on this occasion, ridden by his regular pilot Harry Llewellyn.
Back at Gatwick on January 4, 1936, Davy Jones showed his liking for the course when he and Donald combined to win the Crawley Chase, beating Remus by three lengths. Ego, who was to finish second in that year’s Grand National, dead-heated for third place on this occasion, ridden by his regular pilot Harry Llewellyn.
Donald had one more ride on Davy Jones when they finished eighth in the Brook Chase, again at Gatwick, on February 6. The talented amateur rider Anthony Mildmay then took over, won at Gatwick at the end of February and looked all set to win the Grand National, only for the buckle of his reins to snap at the second last fence. Devoid of steering, the luckless Mildmay could not assist Davy Jones, who ran out at the last fence when in front, leaving Reynoldstown clear to win the race for a second time.
Donald had one more ride on Davy Jones when they finished eighth in the Brook Chase, again at Gatwick, on February 6. The talented amateur rider Anthony Mildmay then took over, won at Gatwick at the end of February and looked all set to win the Grand National, only for the buckle of his reins to snap at the second last fence. Devoid of steering, the luckless Mildmay could not assist Davy Jones, who ran out at the last fence when in front, leaving Reynoldstown clear to win the race for a second time.
Donald had no wins the following season, but at Hawthorn Hill on November 8, 1937, his mount Tityus narrowly landed the Shottesbrook Novices’ Hurdle. Trained by Edward Pease and partnered by Donald for the first time, this was the five-year-old’s first run of the season and his first win at the tenth attempt. Donald had two more rides on Tityus, both unplaced, before Eric Brown took over in the saddle.
Donald had no wins the following season, but at Hawthorn Hill on November 8, 1937, his mount Tityus narrowly landed the Shottesbrook Novices’ Hurdle. Trained by Edward Pease and partnered by Donald for the first time, this was the five-year-old’s first run of the season and his first win at the tenth attempt. Donald had two more rides on Tityus, both unplaced, before Eric Brown took over in the saddle.
His last ride was on Dauphin II, unplaced in a field of 27 for the Hants Hurdle at Newbury on November 30, 1938.
His last ride was on Dauphin II, unplaced in a field of 27 for the Hants Hurdle at Newbury on November 30, 1938.
Donald Martin's first winner|: Davy Jones at Gatwick on 5 December 1935