Russell Muggeridge

Russell Muggeridge

Article by Alan Trout

Russell John Muggeridge won 14 races over jumps in the first half of the 1980s. He was one of three conditional jockey brothers for his father Frank Muggeridge, who had ridden with some success in the decade following the Second World War. 

Russell’s first ride was at Fontwell Park on January 10, 1978, when Ruganmoss finished well behind in the Pulborough Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1). He opened his account at Taunton on November 20, 1980, when Laval, trained by Toby Cobden, overcame a mistake at the first flight to take the lead after the last and win the Necktie Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1) by three lengths. 

He had three more victories before the end of the season, then fared even better in 1981/82 with six, including an Easter Monday double at Newton Abbot. 

Both of his wins in 1982/83 were gained on the hurdler Lynwood Lady, trained by his father. He had his final winner at Newton Abbot on November 27, 1984, when Mopsy Lovejoy recorded a comfortable ten-length success in the Mousehole Selling Handicap Hurdle. 

His last ride was on Fidelight, finishing fifth (subsequently promoted to fourth) in the M20 Novices’ Chase at Folkestone on January 6, 1987. 

Russell Muggeridge’s winners were, in chronological order:

1. Laval, Taunton, November 20, 1980

2. Doucement, Taunton, January 29, 1981

3. Doucement, Fontwell Park, March 24, 1981

4. Storm Vista, Newton Abbot, April 20, 1981

5. Martian Combat, Devon & Exeter, August 20, 1981

6. Martian Combat, Newton Abbot, September 11, 1981

7. Captain Clover, Wincanton, February 11, 1982

8. Lunar Maid, Newton Abbot, April 12, 1982

9. Runwell, Newton Abbot, April 12, 1982

10. Lynwood Lady, Devon & Exeter, May 3, 1982

11. Lynwood Lady, Chepstow, October 2, 1982

12. Lynwood Lady, Hereford, January 14, 1983

13. Linton, Fontwell Park, February 6, 1984

14. Mopsy Lovejoy, Newton Abbot, November 27, 1984