Embedded Files
Mark was born on the 11th of August 1955 in South East London.
Mark was born on the 11th of August 1955 in South East London.
Mark left London at 15 and signed as an apprentice jockey with the young Lewes trainer Michael Masson and became good friends with many of the successful jockeys who rode for Masson, including Ray Goldstein, Michael Kettle, Alan Bond, Harry Ballantine and Bobby Elliott.
Mark left London at 15 and signed as an apprentice jockey with the young Lewes trainer Michael Masson and became good friends with many of the successful jockeys who rode for Masson, including Ray Goldstein, Michael Kettle, Alan Bond, Harry Ballantine and Bobby Elliott.
When increasing weight forced Mark from the saddle, he decided to stay on with Mr Masson and eventually became his Travelling Head Lad. He was also Masson’s major work rider on horses such as the brilliant sprinter Maxis Taxi.
When increasing weight forced Mark from the saddle, he decided to stay on with Mr Masson and eventually became his Travelling Head Lad. He was also Masson’s major work rider on horses such as the brilliant sprinter Maxis Taxi.
He stayed on with Masson until September 1979, when having just married he decided reluctantly to step away from racing.
He stayed on with Masson until September 1979, when having just married he decided reluctantly to step away from racing.
Mark then took a position as a Postman in Lewes and eventually worked his way up to sorting office manager.
Mark then took a position as a Postman in Lewes and eventually worked his way up to sorting office manager.
Then in 1988 he emigrated to Australia with his wife Marion and children Liam (8), Kelly (6) and Dean (4) but before doing so, he arranged to meet up with his old mentor one last time.
Then in 1988 he emigrated to Australia with his wife Marion and children Liam (8), Kelly (6) and Dean (4) but before doing so, he arranged to meet up with his old mentor one last time.
The two spent a day reminiscing over coffee and Masson gave Mark a reference for his trip down under. Sadly Mr Masson died not long after.
The two spent a day reminiscing over coffee and Masson gave Mark a reference for his trip down under. Sadly Mr Masson died not long after.
In 2012, Mark had a terrible accident in Australia and suffered badly from PTSD and in 2013 he decided to return home with his wife to his native England.
In 2012, Mark had a terrible accident in Australia and suffered badly from PTSD and in 2013 he decided to return home with his wife to his native England.
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