William MacLennan
William MacLennan
William MacLennan
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
Willaim MacLennan only had half a dozen rides during the 1952/53 National Hunt season and was successful on one of them.
Willaim MacLennan only had half a dozen rides during the 1952/53 National Hunt season and was successful on one of them.
He had his first ride at Market Rasen on December 27, 1952 when finishing unplaced on Messina in the Tealby Selling Handicap Hurdle. Just half an hour later on the same card he fared much better, with Val de L’Air taking the lead two flights from home and easily winning the Walesby Novices’ Hurdle by eight lengths from Ulundi, the mount of Arthur Thompson.
He had his first ride at Market Rasen on December 27, 1952 when finishing unplaced on Messina in the Tealby Selling Handicap Hurdle. Just half an hour later on the same card he fared much better, with Val de L’Air taking the lead two flights from home and easily winning the Walesby Novices’ Hurdle by eight lengths from Ulundi, the mount of Arthur Thompson.
The eight-year-old had made his seasonal debut at the same course the previous day, finishing second, ridden by Jack Smith. Following their success, William kept the ride and finished second twice, at Wetherby on January 17 and at Haydock Park on February 4. On this latter occasion, Val de L’Air was beaten four lengths by Ten Spot in the Garswood Handicap Hurdle.
The eight-year-old had made his seasonal debut at the same course the previous day, finishing second, ridden by Jack Smith. Following their success, William kept the ride and finished second twice, at Wetherby on January 17 and at Haydock Park on February 4. On this latter occasion, Val de L’Air was beaten four lengths by Ten Spot in the Garswood Handicap Hurdle.
Although he held a licence for the following season, that Haydock race appears to have been William’s final ride.
Although he held a licence for the following season, that Haydock race appears to have been William’s final ride.
Val De L'Air, William's only winner
Val De L'Air, William's only winner