Rees Morgan
1884 -1962
1884 -1962
Welsh National Hunt jockey Edward Rees Morgan, always known by his second Christian name, rode 70 winners over jumps between 1902 and 1922. He was in the frame three times in races over the Grand National fences including when finishing fourth in the Grand National itself.
Welsh National Hunt jockey Edward Rees Morgan, always known by his second Christian name, rode 70 winners over jumps between 1902 and 1922. He was in the frame three times in races over the Grand National fences including when finishing fourth in the Grand National itself.
He came third on his first mount in public, Swaledale, in the Newcastle Selling Hurdle at Keele Park on December 30, 1901. Swaledale was also his first winner when landing the Selling Hurdle by one length at the East Essex Hunt’s fixture at Galleywood Common, Chelmsford on April 17, 1902.
He came third on his first mount in public, Swaledale, in the Newcastle Selling Hurdle at Keele Park on December 30, 1901. Swaledale was also his first winner when landing the Selling Hurdle by one length at the East Essex Hunt’s fixture at Galleywood Common, Chelmsford on April 17, 1902.
He had the first of four rides in the Grand National in 1906 on 66-1 outsider Hard To Find, but they were among the fallers.
He had the first of four rides in the Grand National in 1906 on 66-1 outsider Hard To Find, but they were among the fallers.
Rees had his most successful years in 1907 and 1909 with 18 wins in each. In 1909 he notched a treble at Hereford on Easter Monday, April 12, aboard Placetaker in the Grand Stand Selling Hurdle, Playful Ocean in the Coronation Chase, and Red Monk in the Foxhunters’ Chase.
Rees had his most successful years in 1907 and 1909 with 18 wins in each. In 1909 he notched a treble at Hereford on Easter Monday, April 12, aboard Placetaker in the Grand Stand Selling Hurdle, Playful Ocean in the Coronation Chase, and Red Monk in the Foxhunters’ Chase.
He also rode Red Monk, rated a 100-1 outsider, in the 1909 Grand National, but pulled up. Rees was twice placed in races over the Grand National course that same year, although both results are a little flattering. He finished last of two finishers when second in the 1909 Stanley Chase on Playful Ocean, although they were only beaten five lengths. He then finished third in the 1909 Grand Sefton Chase, having fallen and remounted to trail in last of the three to complete the course.
He also rode Red Monk, rated a 100-1 outsider, in the 1909 Grand National, but pulled up. Rees was twice placed in races over the Grand National course that same year, although both results are a little flattering. He finished last of two finishers when second in the 1909 Stanley Chase on Playful Ocean, although they were only beaten five lengths. He then finished third in the 1909 Grand Sefton Chase, having fallen and remounted to trail in last of the three to complete the course.
Rees had easily his most notable ride over the Aintree fences on the well-fancied 100-8 chance Carsey in the 1910 Grand National, finishing fourth behind Jenkintown. The following day he finished fifth in the Liverpool Hurdle on Ashcot.
Rees had easily his most notable ride over the Aintree fences on the well-fancied 100-8 chance Carsey in the 1910 Grand National, finishing fourth behind Jenkintown. The following day he finished fifth in the Liverpool Hurdle on Ashcot.
His career was compromised by World War One but he returned to action once hostilities had ended. He had his fourth and final Grand National mount in 1920 on 25-1 chance Clonree but, as with his first attempt 14 years earlier, was among the fallers.
His career was compromised by World War One but he returned to action once hostilities had ended. He had his fourth and final Grand National mount in 1920 on 25-1 chance Clonree but, as with his first attempt 14 years earlier, was among the fallers.
He rode his last winner on Veldt II, the 10-1 outsider of three, in the Ebbw Vale Novices’ Chase at Newport on November 8, 1922. Newport was also the venue for his final mount, finishing unplaced on Panorama in the Caerleon Novices’ Selling Hurdle on Whit Monday, May 21, 1923.
He rode his last winner on Veldt II, the 10-1 outsider of three, in the Ebbw Vale Novices’ Chase at Newport on November 8, 1922. Newport was also the venue for his final mount, finishing unplaced on Panorama in the Caerleon Novices’ Selling Hurdle on Whit Monday, May 21, 1923.
Rees Morgan died on October 17, 1962, aged 78.
Rees Morgan died on October 17, 1962, aged 78.
