Ron McCulloch

Ron McCulloch

Article by Alan Trout

Ronald McCulloch rode two winners under National Hunt rules in the mid-1960s, starting with victory on Jock Minor in the Yarridge Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1) at Hexham on April 25, 1964. Jock Minor justified favouritism by beating Khandycot, ridden by Tommy McGinley, and 11 others. Trained by Harry Bell and with Ron aboard for the first time, they had one and a half lengths to spare at the finish. 

They had one more start together, finishing fourth at Kelso 12 days later. Ron had three second-place finishers and four thirds that season from 27 mounts.

Jock Minor did not run again for two years, and Ron had to wait even longer for his second win. It finally came when Vittorio, despite being impeded, came through in the closing stages to land the Whittingham Handicap Hurdle at Newcastle on May 14, 1966. Winner of one race already that season with Jack Berry in the saddle, the six-year-old was ridden by Ron for the first time and beat Bobby Beasley’s mount, Grecian Lord, by three-quarters of a length. 

Again, he had one more chance to shine on Vittorio before the season ended, and again finished fourth, this time at Hexham on Saturday, May 26. Earlier in the afternoon, Ron had come within half a length of riding his third winner when his mount Mighty Falls finished second to odds-on favourite Battledore, partnered by ‘Kit’ Stobbs, in the Dilston Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1).

Ron McCulloch held a licence for two more seasons but had few opportunities and no more wins.