Frank Morgan.
Frank Morgan
Frank Morgan
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
Frank Morgan – not to be confused with the earlier jockey of the same name who won the 1904 Irish Derby, was Ireland’s champion jockey under both codes in 1917, and a decade later trained Ballinode to win the second-ever running of the Cheltenham Gold Cup – rode 17 winners under National Hunt rules between 1940 and 1955.
Frank Morgan – not to be confused with the earlier jockey of the same name who won the 1904 Irish Derby, was Ireland’s champion jockey under both codes in 1917, and a decade later trained Ballinode to win the second-ever running of the Cheltenham Gold Cup – rode 17 winners under National Hunt rules between 1940 and 1955.
This later Frank Morgan had his first ride when Master Sponge finished unplaced in the Saturday Selling Handicap Hurdle at Windsor on November 25, 1939. He rode his first winner on Knight Of Argo, trained by former leading Flar jockey Bobby Dick, in the Findon Novices’ Chase (Division II) at Fontwell Park on April 24, 1940, beating Plancetta, the mount of George Archibald, by a head.
This later Frank Morgan had his first ride when Master Sponge finished unplaced in the Saturday Selling Handicap Hurdle at Windsor on November 25, 1939. He rode his first winner on Knight Of Argo, trained by former leading Flar jockey Bobby Dick, in the Findon Novices’ Chase (Division II) at Fontwell Park on April 24, 1940, beating Plancetta, the mount of George Archibald, by a head.
With World War II intervening, it was not until February 1945, just a few weeks after National Hunt racing had resumed following a near three-year hiatus, that Frank achieved his second victory. Thereafter, he had the occasional success, with four in the 1945/46 campaign being his best score, three of which came courtesy of novice hurdler Young Jeff, trained by Cecil Ray, later to become one of the very few people to be warned off both as a trainer and as a jockey.
With World War II intervening, it was not until February 1945, just a few weeks after National Hunt racing had resumed following a near three-year hiatus, that Frank achieved his second victory. Thereafter, he had the occasional success, with four in the 1945/46 campaign being his best score, three of which came courtesy of novice hurdler Young Jeff, trained by Cecil Ray, later to become one of the very few people to be warned off both as a trainer and as a jockey.
Frank rode out his allowance when claiming his 15th success on The Dabster at Newbury on December 12, 1953. His final victory was on The Mill, trained by John Beary, in the Barcombe Novices’ Chase at Plumpton on December 7, 1955, overhauling Grand Morn, ridden by Derek Kent, to score by two lengths.
Frank rode out his allowance when claiming his 15th success on The Dabster at Newbury on December 12, 1953. His final victory was on The Mill, trained by John Beary, in the Barcombe Novices’ Chase at Plumpton on December 7, 1955, overhauling Grand Morn, ridden by Derek Kent, to score by two lengths.
He had his last ride when unplaced on Mayfair Court in the Pomfret Handicap Hurdle at Towcester on Easter Monday, April 2, 1956.
He had his last ride when unplaced on Mayfair Court in the Pomfret Handicap Hurdle at Towcester on Easter Monday, April 2, 1956.
Frank Morgan’s winners were, in chronological order:
Frank Morgan’s winners were, in chronological order:
1. Knight Of Argo, Fontwell Park, April 24, 1940
1. Knight Of Argo, Fontwell Park, April 24, 1940
2. Stretto, Catterick Bridge, February 10, 1945
2. Stretto, Catterick Bridge, February 10, 1945
3. Courtier, Wetherby, March 31, 1945
3. Courtier, Wetherby, March 31, 1945
4. Young Jeff, Wetherby, November 24, 1945
4. Young Jeff, Wetherby, November 24, 1945
5. Korinthos, Catterick Bridge, December 1, 1945
5. Korinthos, Catterick Bridge, December 1, 1945
6. Young Jeff, Wetherby, December 15, 1945
6. Young Jeff, Wetherby, December 15, 1945
7. Young Jeff, Southwell, February 16, 1946
7. Young Jeff, Southwell, February 16, 1946
8. Good Landing, Market Rasen, May 10, 1947
8. Good Landing, Market Rasen, May 10, 1947
9. Eric B., Southwell, March 27, 1948
9. Eric B., Southwell, March 27, 1948
10. Scottish Star, Hexham, April 26, 1948
10. Scottish Star, Hexham, April 26, 1948
11. Happy Tie, Wetherby, March 4, 1950
11. Happy Tie, Wetherby, March 4, 1950
12. Sir John IV, Birmingham, January 13, 1953
12. Sir John IV, Birmingham, January 13, 1953
13. Marullo, Hurst Park, February 7, 1953
13. Marullo, Hurst Park, February 7, 1953
14. Le Moussaillon II, Taunton, February 21, 1953
14. Le Moussaillon II, Taunton, February 21, 1953
15. The Dabster, Newbury, December 12, 1953
15. The Dabster, Newbury, December 12, 1953
16. The Mill, Wincanton, December 17, 1953
16. The Mill, Wincanton, December 17, 1953
17. The Mill, Plumpton, December 7, 1955
17. The Mill, Plumpton, December 7, 1955
Frank's first of three wins on Young Jeff came at Wetherby
Frank's first of three wins on Young Jeff came at Wetherby
Frank's final win came at Plumpton on Mill
Frank's final win came at Plumpton on Mill