Gordon W. Richards
Gordon W. Richards
Gordon W. Richards
1930-1998
1930-1998
Gordon W. Richards is primarily remembered as one of the top northern-based jumps trainers of the second half of the 20th century, his most notable horses including Playlord, Titus Oates and One Man, along with two Grand National victories with Lucius (1978) and Hallo Dandy (1984).
Gordon W. Richards is primarily remembered as one of the top northern-based jumps trainers of the second half of the 20th century, his most notable horses including Playlord, Titus Oates and One Man, along with two Grand National victories with Lucius (1978) and Hallo Dandy (1984).
Less well known is that before embarking on long and distinguished training career, he also recorded two dozen wins as a National Hunt jockey until his career in the saddle was ended by a fall at Perth in 1959.
Less well known is that before embarking on long and distinguished training career, he also recorded two dozen wins as a National Hunt jockey until his career in the saddle was ended by a fall at Perth in 1959.
Born in Somerset on September 7, 1930, the son of Thomas Richards, a haulier-turned-trainer, he was apprenticed initially to Mrs Louie Dingwall at Poole, but after nine months he joined Jack Waugh at Downs House, Chilton, near Didcot.
Born in Somerset on September 7, 1930, the son of Thomas Richards, a haulier-turned-trainer, he was apprenticed initially to Mrs Louie Dingwall at Poole, but after nine months he joined Jack Waugh at Downs House, Chilton, near Didcot.
He had been at Chilton for little more than a year when having his first ride in public in an apprentice race at Salisbury on Royal Glory, finishing fourth in the Apprentice Handicap (Division 2) on April 29, 1944.
He had been at Chilton for little more than a year when having his first ride in public in an apprentice race at Salisbury on Royal Glory, finishing fourth in the Apprentice Handicap (Division 2) on April 29, 1944.
In addition to being Gordon’s first ride, that day was influential in another way. Thomas Richards had named his eldest son Gordon after the 26-times champion jockey he had idolised for so long. This made life confusing when young Gordon made his debut in that Salisbury apprentice contest. When the Clerk of the Scales told him “Well, my lad, we can’t have two Gordon Richards,” Jack Waugh solved the problem as quick as a flash. “Just put in an extra initial. Give him a W for Waugh and let’s get on with it,” he told the official. That ‘W’ would stick with Gordon for the remainder of his life.
In addition to being Gordon’s first ride, that day was influential in another way. Thomas Richards had named his eldest son Gordon after the 26-times champion jockey he had idolised for so long. This made life confusing when young Gordon made his debut in that Salisbury apprentice contest. When the Clerk of the Scales told him “Well, my lad, we can’t have two Gordon Richards,” Jack Waugh solved the problem as quick as a flash. “Just put in an extra initial. Give him a W for Waugh and let’s get on with it,” he told the official. That ‘W’ would stick with Gordon for the remainder of his life.
Young Gordon had a few more rides as an apprentice but by the end of 1945 he had grown too heavy to ride on the Flat and it was arranged that he should transfer to Ivor Anthony’s National Hunt stable at Wroughton.
Young Gordon had a few more rides as an apprentice but by the end of 1945 he had grown too heavy to ride on the Flat and it was arranged that he should transfer to Ivor Anthony’s National Hunt stable at Wroughton.
He had his first ride over jumps on Boxing Day 1946, on Jack Spratt in the Somerset Handicap Hurdle at Wincanton, but the five-year-old was pulled up. The following afternoon at the same course he finished fifth aboard Mask And Brush in the Three-Year-Old Hurdle.
He had his first ride over jumps on Boxing Day 1946, on Jack Spratt in the Somerset Handicap Hurdle at Wincanton, but the five-year-old was pulled up. The following afternoon at the same course he finished fifth aboard Mask And Brush in the Three-Year-Old Hurdle.
After two more starts together, the best of which was when last of three, beaten eight lengths, at Wincanton on Easter Monday, Gordon and Mask And Brush lined up as 33-1 outsiders for the rearranged 1947 Champion Hurdle on April 13, the original National Hunt meeting having been abandoned due to a combination of frost and snow. Needless to say, they were outclassed and well beaten, trailing home 11th of 12 finishers behind National Spirit, partnered by Danny Morgan.
After two more starts together, the best of which was when last of three, beaten eight lengths, at Wincanton on Easter Monday, Gordon and Mask And Brush lined up as 33-1 outsiders for the rearranged 1947 Champion Hurdle on April 13, the original National Hunt meeting having been abandoned due to a combination of frost and snow. Needless to say, they were outclassed and well beaten, trailing home 11th of 12 finishers behind National Spirit, partnered by Danny Morgan.
Aged 17, Gordon rode his first winner at Taunton on October 11, 1947, when Gay Dancer, trained by his permit holder father, won a match for the Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2), beating the 7-4 on favourite Pieces Of Eight, ridden by the far more experienced Alf Mullins, by two lengths.
Aged 17, Gordon rode his first winner at Taunton on October 11, 1947, when Gay Dancer, trained by his permit holder father, won a match for the Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2), beating the 7-4 on favourite Pieces Of Eight, ridden by the far more experienced Alf Mullins, by two lengths.
Gordon had around a dozen rides for Ivor Anthony, but shortly after his 18th birthday he joined the Gloucestershire Regiment, commonly referred to as the ‘Glorious Gloucesters’, to undertake his National Service. His battalion was never sent abroad, spending most of his National Service stationed at Devizes.
Gordon had around a dozen rides for Ivor Anthony, but shortly after his 18th birthday he joined the Gloucestershire Regiment, commonly referred to as the ‘Glorious Gloucesters’, to undertake his National Service. His battalion was never sent abroad, spending most of his National Service stationed at Devizes.
Shortly before being discharged from the Gloucesters, Gordon received an invitation that would change his life and mould his career as a leading jumps trainer. Ivor Anthony called him into his office and informed him that there was a job in Northumberland, which he thought Gordon should take. Major Gus Renwick, whose horses were trained by Johnny Marshall at Chatton, was looking to retrain his own jockey. With the chance of riding the other horses in the yard and outside rides as well, it was an opportunity too good to refuse.
Shortly before being discharged from the Gloucesters, Gordon received an invitation that would change his life and mould his career as a leading jumps trainer. Ivor Anthony called him into his office and informed him that there was a job in Northumberland, which he thought Gordon should take. Major Gus Renwick, whose horses were trained by Johnny Marshall at Chatton, was looking to retrain his own jockey. With the chance of riding the other horses in the yard and outside rides as well, it was an opportunity too good to refuse.
Thereafter, bar for a couple of wins on his father’s horse Fairy Mesh, all Gordon’s winners would be at northern tracks, beginning with two wins within a week on handicap hurdler Greenlees at Carlisle and Bogside in April 1954.
Thereafter, bar for a couple of wins on his father’s horse Fairy Mesh, all Gordon’s winners would be at northern tracks, beginning with two wins within a week on handicap hurdler Greenlees at Carlisle and Bogside in April 1954.
He had two rides in the Scottish Grand National, finishing ninth on Holystone Beacon in 1956, but the following year coming closest to a big race triumph when second on Merry Windsor, trained by Jack Pearson, beaten six lengths by Adolphe Rossio on Bremontier.
He had two rides in the Scottish Grand National, finishing ninth on Holystone Beacon in 1956, but the following year coming closest to a big race triumph when second on Merry Windsor, trained by Jack Pearson, beaten six lengths by Adolphe Rossio on Bremontier.
Gordon again came close to landing a big win when passing the post first on Merry Windsor in the valuable Wetherby Handicap Chase on Easter Monday 1957, but Paddy Farrell, rider on runner-up Scottish Sea, objected on grounds of “squeezing at the approach to the final fence and crossing on landing,” and the objection was sustained. Having had those two near misses, Merry Windsor finally repaid Gordon by giving him his most valuable success in the saddle in the Godfrey Long Handicap Chase at Wetherby on Whit Monday 1957.
Gordon again came close to landing a big win when passing the post first on Merry Windsor in the valuable Wetherby Handicap Chase on Easter Monday 1957, but Paddy Farrell, rider on runner-up Scottish Sea, objected on grounds of “squeezing at the approach to the final fence and crossing on landing,” and the objection was sustained. Having had those two near misses, Merry Windsor finally repaid Gordon by giving him his most valuable success in the saddle in the Godfrey Long Handicap Chase at Wetherby on Whit Monday 1957.
Gordon’s best core was six in the 1957/58 season. He rode what proved to be his last winner on Carbajal – almost certainly named after the famous Mexican goalkeeper of that era – took the lead at the last flight to land the Darlington Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2) at Sedgefield on May 9, 1959.
Gordon’s best core was six in the 1957/58 season. He rode what proved to be his last winner on Carbajal – almost certainly named after the famous Mexican goalkeeper of that era – took the lead at the last flight to land the Darlington Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2) at Sedgefield on May 9, 1959.
His career in the saddle was ended at the age of 29 when suffering serious back damage when Sea View fell heavily at the second last fence in the Luncarty Novices’ Chase at Perth on September 24, 1959. The vertebrae at the base of his spine were crushed, narrowly avoiding paralysis. The doctors prescribed four months complete rest.
His career in the saddle was ended at the age of 29 when suffering serious back damage when Sea View fell heavily at the second last fence in the Luncarty Novices’ Chase at Perth on September 24, 1959. The vertebrae at the base of his spine were crushed, narrowly avoiding paralysis. The doctors prescribed four months complete rest.
At the time of his enforced retirement Gordon was still claiming a 3lb allowance. He had no illusions about his record as a jockey and always regarded himself as a horseman rather than a top-flight race-rider, although his limited success in the saddle was not helped by the comparative shortage of fixtures in north, particularly during the winter months, and lack of opportunities to partner top-class horses.
At the time of his enforced retirement Gordon was still claiming a 3lb allowance. He had no illusions about his record as a jockey and always regarded himself as a horseman rather than a top-flight race-rider, although his limited success in the saddle was not helped by the comparative shortage of fixtures in north, particularly during the winter months, and lack of opportunities to partner top-class horses.
As soon as he was able, Gordon and his wife Jean searched for suitable premises to establish a horse livery business. They found an ideal place at Town Farm in the Northumberland village of Beadnell, moving in during the spring of 1960.
As soon as he was able, Gordon and his wife Jean searched for suitable premises to establish a horse livery business. They found an ideal place at Town Farm in the Northumberland village of Beadnell, moving in during the spring of 1960.
He took out a National Hunt trainer’s licence in 1964 and saddled his first winner when Playlord, ridden by Jumbo Wilkinson, won a novice hurdle at the last ever day’s racing held under NH rules at Bogside (it later staged point-to-points) on April 10, 1965.
He took out a National Hunt trainer’s licence in 1964 and saddled his first winner when Playlord, ridden by Jumbo Wilkinson, won a novice hurdle at the last ever day’s racing held under NH rules at Bogside (it later staged point-to-points) on April 10, 1965.
Playlord was the horse that launched Gordon’s training career, providing him with his first big race success in the 1969 Great Yorkshire Chase. By then he had relocated to Castle Stables, Greystoke, in Cumbria, having moved there in 1967, from where he would record his greatest triumphs.
Playlord was the horse that launched Gordon’s training career, providing him with his first big race success in the 1969 Great Yorkshire Chase. By then he had relocated to Castle Stables, Greystoke, in Cumbria, having moved there in 1967, from where he would record his greatest triumphs.
Apart from his two Grand National winners, Lucius and Hallo Dandy, his big race victories included the King George IV Chase (twice), Scottish Grand National (twice), National Hunt Handicap Chase (twice), Queen Mother Champion Chase, Mackeson Gold Cup, Hennessy Gold Cup, Massey-Ferguson Gold Cup, Cathcart Chase, and Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
Apart from his two Grand National winners, Lucius and Hallo Dandy, his big race victories included the King George IV Chase (twice), Scottish Grand National (twice), National Hunt Handicap Chase (twice), Queen Mother Champion Chase, Mackeson Gold Cup, Hennessy Gold Cup, Massey-Ferguson Gold Cup, Cathcart Chase, and Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
He also enjoyed success on the Flat during the 1970s, his best horses being Le Coq d’Or, who won eight times between 1971 and 1973, including the 1972 Ayrshire Handicap; and Rundontwalk, bought for just 350 guineas, whose wins included the 1976 Tote Sprint Trophy at Ascot.,
He also enjoyed success on the Flat during the 1970s, his best horses being Le Coq d’Or, who won eight times between 1971 and 1973, including the 1972 Ayrshire Handicap; and Rundontwalk, bought for just 350 guineas, whose wins included the 1976 Tote Sprint Trophy at Ascot.,
He trained a total of 1,911 winners, his best season numerically being 1975/76 with 105 races won.
He trained a total of 1,911 winners, his best season numerically being 1975/76 with 105 races won.
Gordon W. Richards died on September 29, 1998, aged 68.
Gordon W. Richards died on September 29, 1998, aged 68.
His winners as a jockey were, in chronological order.
His winners as a jockey were, in chronological order.
1. Gay Dancer, Taunton, October 11, 1947
1. Gay Dancer, Taunton, October 11, 1947
2. Fairy Battle, Worcester, March 4, 1950
2. Fairy Battle, Worcester, March 4, 1950
3. Fairy Mesh, Devon & Exeter, September 13, 1950
3. Fairy Mesh, Devon & Exeter, September 13, 1950
4. Fairy Mesh, Newton Abbot, August 18, 1951
4. Fairy Mesh, Newton Abbot, August 18, 1951
5. Greenlees, Carlisle, April 17, 1954
5. Greenlees, Carlisle, April 17, 1954
6. Greenlees, Bogside, April 24, 1954
6. Greenlees, Bogside, April 24, 1954
7. Jimmy Sherret, Carlisle, October 9, 1954
7. Jimmy Sherret, Carlisle, October 9, 1954
8. Twistabird, Kelso, October 23, 1954
8. Twistabird, Kelso, October 23, 1954
9. Holystone Beacon, Rothbury, April 16, 1955
9. Holystone Beacon, Rothbury, April 16, 1955
10, Holystone Beacon, Hexham, April 30, 1955
10, Holystone Beacon, Hexham, April 30, 1955
11. Corby Lynn, Perth, September 21, 1955
11. Corby Lynn, Perth, September 21, 1955
12. Lucy Lightfoot, Hexham, October 1, 1955
12. Lucy Lightfoot, Hexham, October 1, 1955
13. Salvo D’Iran, Catterick Bridge, December 31, 1955
13. Salvo D’Iran, Catterick Bridge, December 31, 1955
14. Holystone Beacon, Sedgefield, March 10, 1956
14. Holystone Beacon, Sedgefield, March 10, 1956
15. Constant Worry, Hexham, May 19, 1956
15. Constant Worry, Hexham, May 19, 1956
16, Merry Windsor, Hexham, May 6, 1957
16, Merry Windsor, Hexham, May 6, 1957
17. Merry Windsor, Wetherby, June 10, 1957
17. Merry Windsor, Wetherby, June 10, 1957
18. Lively Lord, Ayr, October 12, 1957
18. Lively Lord, Ayr, October 12, 1957
19. French Window, Ayr, October 14, 1957
19. French Window, Ayr, October 14, 1957
20. Feud, Leicester, December 2, 1957
20. Feud, Leicester, December 2, 1957
21. Carrick Lad, Haydock Park, February 5, 1958
21. Carrick Lad, Haydock Park, February 5, 1958
22. Apollodorus, Kelso, March 1, 1958
22. Apollodorus, Kelso, March 1, 1958
23. Domino’s Serenade, Ayr, March 15, 1958
23. Domino’s Serenade, Ayr, March 15, 1958
24. Carbajal, Sedgefield, May 9, 1959
24. Carbajal, Sedgefield, May 9, 1959
His biggest wins as a trainer included.
His biggest wins as a trainer included.
1969: Great Yorkshire Chase – Playlord
1969: Great Yorkshire Chase – Playlord
1969: Scottish Grand National – Playlord
1969: Scottish Grand National – Playlord
1969: Massey-Ferguson Gold Cup – Titus Oates
1969: Massey-Ferguson Gold Cup – Titus Oates
1969: King George VI Chase – Titus Oates
1969: King George VI Chase – Titus Oates
1971: Whitbread Gold Cup – Titus Oates
1971: Whitbread Gold Cup – Titus Oates
1972: Ayrshire Handicap – Le Coq d’Or
1972: Ayrshire Handicap – Le Coq d’Or
1974: Tote Sprint Trophy (Ascot) – Rundontwalk
1974: Tote Sprint Trophy (Ascot) – Rundontwalk
1975: Cheltenham Trial Hurdle – Sea Pigeon
1975: Cheltenham Trial Hurdle – Sea Pigeon
1978: Grand National – Lucius
1978: Grand National – Lucius
1979: Mackeson Gold Cup – Man Alive
1979: Mackeson Gold Cup – Man Alive
1981: National Hunt Handicap Chase – Current Gold
1981: National Hunt Handicap Chase – Current Gold
1981: Cathcart Chase – Lord Greystoke
1981: Cathcart Chase – Lord Greystoke
1984: Future Champions Chase – Noddy’s Ride
1984: Future Champions Chase – Noddy’s Ride
1985: Grand National – Hallo Dandy
1985: Grand National – Hallo Dandy
1987: Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – Tartan Tailor
1987: Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – Tartan Tailor
1989: A. F. Budge Gold Cup – Clever Folly
1989: A. F. Budge Gold Cup – Clever Folly
1990: Scottish Grand National – Four Trix
1990: Scottish Grand National – Four Trix
1994: Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup – One Man
1994: Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup – One Man
1996 (Jan): King George VI Chase – One Man
1996 (Jan): King George VI Chase – One Man
1996 (Dec): King George VI Chase – One Man
1996 (Dec): King George VI Chase – One Man
1996: Tripleprint Gold Cup – Addington Boy
1996: Tripleprint Gold Cup – Addington Boy
1997: Great Yorkshire Chase – General Command
1997: Great Yorkshire Chase – General Command
1998: Queen Mother Champion Chase – One Man
1998: Queen Mother Champion Chase – One Man
1998: National Hunt Handicap Chase – Unguided Missile
1998: National Hunt Handicap Chase – Unguided Missile
Champion jockey Gordon Richards (left) meets his namesake at Salisbury to wish the young apprentice good luck.