Dick Morgan
1884 - 1944
1884 - 1944
Richard Alphonsus Morgan, better known as Dick Morgan, was born in Waterford, Ireland in 1884. He was one of a family of eight Irish jockeys – John, Joseph, William, Dick, Frank, Ernest, Isaac and Rees – who all rode prior to the Great War. They were nephews of Joe Widger (1864-1923) who won the 1895 Grand National on Wild Man from Borneo.
Richard Alphonsus Morgan, better known as Dick Morgan, was born in Waterford, Ireland in 1884. He was one of a family of eight Irish jockeys – John, Joseph, William, Dick, Frank, Ernest, Isaac and Rees – who all rode prior to the Great War. They were nephews of Joe Widger (1864-1923) who won the 1895 Grand National on Wild Man from Borneo.
John, the eldest of the brothers, was the only one with amateur status, the others all riding as professionals. John became the father of successful National Hunt jockeys Tommy Morgan and Danny Morgan, the latter’s victories including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Champion Hurdle twice, the Welsh Grand National, the Scottish Grand National three times and the Grand Sefton Chase.
John, the eldest of the brothers, was the only one with amateur status, the others all riding as professionals. John became the father of successful National Hunt jockeys Tommy Morgan and Danny Morgan, the latter’s victories including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Champion Hurdle twice, the Welsh Grand National, the Scottish Grand National three times and the Grand Sefton Chase.
Joseph Morgan was killed when young, riding schooling work with his uncle, Joe Widger.
Joseph Morgan was killed when young, riding schooling work with his uncle, Joe Widger.
Five of the brothers – William, Dick, Frank, Ernest and Isaac – all rode in the Grand National. In fact, there were four years (1905, 1909, 1910 and 1913) in which various combinations of three Morgan brothers all rode in the great race. However, the nearest any of them got to winning was in 1902 when William finished second on Matthew behind Shannon Lass.
Five of the brothers – William, Dick, Frank, Ernest and Isaac – all rode in the Grand National. In fact, there were four years (1905, 1909, 1910 and 1913) in which various combinations of three Morgan brothers all rode in the great race. However, the nearest any of them got to winning was in 1902 when William finished second on Matthew behind Shannon Lass.
Dick Morgan was apprenticed to Frank Cole and went on to ride in eight Grand Nationals, achieving his best placing when fifth on Barabbas II in 1907. He did, though, enjoy success over the Grand National fences, achieving his two biggest wins in the 1903 Stanley Chase on Red Hand (which was twice remounted after falling) and in the 1904 Grand Sefton on Sister May.
Dick Morgan was apprenticed to Frank Cole and went on to ride in eight Grand Nationals, achieving his best placing when fifth on Barabbas II in 1907. He did, though, enjoy success over the Grand National fences, achieving his two biggest wins in the 1903 Stanley Chase on Red Hand (which was twice remounted after falling) and in the 1904 Grand Sefton on Sister May.
His final Grand National mount was when failing to finish on future Aintree hero Shaun Spadah in 1919. After retiring from the saddle, he became a trainer.
His final Grand National mount was when failing to finish on future Aintree hero Shaun Spadah in 1919. After retiring from the saddle, he became a trainer.
Dick Morgan died at St Pancras Hospital, London, on June 18 1944, aged 60, and was buried at Epsom Cemetery five days later. His widow, Mary Ann Morgan (nee Mallons) died aged 83 in March 1953 and was buried beside him.
Dick Morgan died at St Pancras Hospital, London, on June 18 1944, aged 60, and was buried at Epsom Cemetery five days later. His widow, Mary Ann Morgan (nee Mallons) died aged 83 in March 1953 and was buried beside him.
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