Dennis Reardon
When, on Friday March 20, 1931, John Michael Reardon, trainer, of Ashtead, Surrey, booked his jockey brother Dennis to ride the stable's Dutch Gold at Sandown, a good run was anticipated. The horse, though a 20/1 outsider, had run twelve times before and had never fallen nor even made a mistake.
When, on Friday March 20, 1931, John Michael Reardon, trainer, of Ashtead, Surrey, booked his jockey brother Dennis to ride the stable's Dutch Gold at Sandown, a good run was anticipated. The horse, though a 20/1 outsider, had run twelve times before and had never fallen nor even made a mistake.
The race, The Coombe Springs Open Selling Handicap Hurdle, due off at 2.15, had attracted a field of sixteen runners and, at 4/1, Royal Repose was favourite.
The race, The Coombe Springs Open Selling Handicap Hurdle, due off at 2.15, had attracted a field of sixteen runners and, at 4/1, Royal Repose was favourite.
As the field jumped off, Dennis - an experienced jockey with over ten years' race-riding behind him - settled Dutch Gold in mid-field. The horse jumped the first three hurdles well and, at around thirty miles an hour, approached the fourth.
As the field jumped off, Dennis - an experienced jockey with over ten years' race-riding behind him - settled Dutch Gold in mid-field. The horse jumped the first three hurdles well and, at around thirty miles an hour, approached the fourth.
Police-constable Wensley, who was on duty at course, told an inquest later: 'The horse caught his hind legs on top of the jump. He landed on his forefeet, stumbled and fell, throwing his jockey. As Dutch Gold tried to regain his feet he fell on the unfortunate rider.'
Police-constable Wensley, who was on duty at course, told an inquest later: 'The horse caught his hind legs on top of the jump. He landed on his forefeet, stumbled and fell, throwing his jockey. As Dutch Gold tried to regain his feet he fell on the unfortunate rider.'
Wensley added that he did not think that the horse had been startled by the crowd nor did he think it was being urged on at the time.
Wensley added that he did not think that the horse had been startled by the crowd nor did he think it was being urged on at the time.
Dennis Reardon, suffering from shock and in a confused state, was taken to nearby St Thomas's hospital.
Dennis Reardon, suffering from shock and in a confused state, was taken to nearby St Thomas's hospital.
Doctor R. A. Franklin said that the jockey recovered sufficiently to answer questions sensibly, but never really knew where he was although he recognized people.
Doctor R. A. Franklin said that the jockey recovered sufficiently to answer questions sensibly, but never really knew where he was although he recognized people.
Dennis Reardon died from the effects of a fractured spine and broken ribs. He was 35.
Dennis Reardon died from the effects of a fractured spine and broken ribs. He was 35.
The inquest, held on April 1, 1931, heard how Dennis would have been permanently paralyzed had he lived.
The inquest, held on April 1, 1931, heard how Dennis would have been permanently paralyzed had he lived.
The jury returned a verdict of 'Accidental death' and added 'We are satisfied with the arrangements at Sandown Park Racecourse, and do not find any irregularity in connection with the race.'
The jury returned a verdict of 'Accidental death' and added 'We are satisfied with the arrangements at Sandown Park Racecourse, and do not find any irregularity in connection with the race.'
Dennis's funeral service took place at Epsom at 11 a.m on Saturday, April 4, 1931.
Dennis's funeral service took place at Epsom at 11 a.m on Saturday, April 4, 1931.