Geoff Madgwick

Geoff Madgwick

Article by Alan Trout

Geoffrey Madgwick, son of trainer Michael Madgwick, whose stables were at Denmead, in Hampshire, rode a couple of winners under National Hunt rules. He was the least successful of three jockey brothers, with Aubrey riding 37 winners and David eight. 

Geoff made his debut at Kempton Park on November 17, 1982, when finishing ninth of 12 starters on Princely Guy in the Uxbridge Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle. His brother Aubrey finished fourth in the same race, one place behind future multiple champion trainer Paul Nicholls. 

Just over a year later Geoff had his first success when Mercredi, trained by his father, took the Stanmer Conditional Jockeys’ Selling Handicap Hurdle at Plumpton on November 22, 1983. The four-year-old led at the last flight and, despite swerving near the finish, beat the favourite Allado by a length and a  half. Both his brothers had ridden Mercredi earlier in the season and continued to do so following his Plumpton success but without finishing in the first three.

Geoff had a second victory when Majestic Cue, trained by John Ffitch-Hayes, was a comfortable winner of the Bridstow  Conditional Jockeys’ Selling Hurdle at Hereford on December 6, 1983, coming home ten lengths clear of Pampered Glory. It was the first time he had ridden the four-year-old and they only managed one third place in three subsequent outings.

Geoff had his final ride at Wincanton on March 7, 1985 when pulling up before the eighth fence on 33/1 outsider Cool Cresp in the Broadstone Novices’ Chase. Aubrey Madgwick rode in the same race and was a faller on Matison.