Donald Mill
Donald Mill
Donald Mill
1915-1989
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
Although Donald Ross Mill rode on the Flat in 1934, his three wins were all under National Hunt rules after World War 2.
Although Donald Ross Mill rode on the Flat in 1934, his three wins were all under National Hunt rules after World War 2.
Born on April 13, 1915, he was apprenticed to Newmarket trainer Jack Colling and had his first ride when finishing second, beaten a length, on Royal Athlone in the Apprentices’ Plate at Lewes on September 4, 1934, the race being won by Tommy Hawcroft on Golden Fairy II.
Born on April 13, 1915, he was apprenticed to Newmarket trainer Jack Colling and had his first ride when finishing second, beaten a length, on Royal Athlone in the Apprentices’ Plate at Lewes on September 4, 1934, the race being won by Tommy Hawcroft on Golden Fairy II.
It was not until February12, 1938 that he had his first ride over jumps, which ended in a fall on Gaeltacht in the Godstone Hurdle at Lingfield Park. After the 1937/38 season he did not ride in races again until the autumn of 1946.
It was not until February12, 1938 that he had his first ride over jumps, which ended in a fall on Gaeltacht in the Godstone Hurdle at Lingfield Park. After the 1937/38 season he did not ride in races again until the autumn of 1946.
On September 30, 1946, he finished third on Jennifer’s Choice on her debut over jumps in the South Downs Hurdle (Division 1) at Plumpton. On their next outing, on October 14, they landed the Storrington Hurdle at Fontwell Park. Two future successful trainers, Cyril Mitchell on Transport and Bob Turnell on Gun Clun, claimed the minor honours.
On September 30, 1946, he finished third on Jennifer’s Choice on her debut over jumps in the South Downs Hurdle (Division 1) at Plumpton. On their next outing, on October 14, they landed the Storrington Hurdle at Fontwell Park. Two future successful trainers, Cyril Mitchell on Transport and Bob Turnell on Gun Clun, claimed the minor honours.
Jennifer’s Choice changed owners before her next start and it was not until Easter Monday, April 6, 1953, that Donald achieved his second victory when High Point, trained by Ginger Dennistoun, won the Ansty Handicap Hurdle at Wincanton. The seven-year-old’s previous outing had resulted in triumph in far more exalted company, for on March 14, ridden by Harry Sprague, High Point had won the Imperial Cup.
Jennifer’s Choice changed owners before her next start and it was not until Easter Monday, April 6, 1953, that Donald achieved his second victory when High Point, trained by Ginger Dennistoun, won the Ansty Handicap Hurdle at Wincanton. The seven-year-old’s previous outing had resulted in triumph in far more exalted company, for on March 14, ridden by Harry Sprague, High Point had won the Imperial Cup.
Three days after that Wincanton success, Donald scored again when River Trout, also trained by Ginger Dennistoun, won the Selling Hurdle at Stratford-on-Avon in a canter by ten lengths. Again, Harry Sprague was the 10-year-old’s regular partner but this race was for novice riders.
Three days after that Wincanton success, Donald scored again when River Trout, also trained by Ginger Dennistoun, won the Selling Hurdle at Stratford-on-Avon in a canter by ten lengths. Again, Harry Sprague was the 10-year-old’s regular partner but this race was for novice riders.
That proved to be Donald’s last winner. His final ride was on Kingston Spinney, who finished sixth of 13 runners in the Russell Selling Hurdle at Windsor on January 9, 1954. Victory went to Harry Sprague on Candlelight, beating 18-year-old Lester Piggott on Strokes by four lengths.
That proved to be Donald’s last winner. His final ride was on Kingston Spinney, who finished sixth of 13 runners in the Russell Selling Hurdle at Windsor on January 9, 1954. Victory went to Harry Sprague on Candlelight, beating 18-year-old Lester Piggott on Strokes by four lengths.
Donald's Mill's first win
Donald's second win
His third win