Richard was born at Bordon, Hampshire on November 11, 1959.
Apprenticed to Walter Guest (his uncle) and Josh Gifford, he made his debut on Royal Rudolph (3rd) at Sandown on February 4, 1977.
His first winner was Retaliation at Stratford on May 13, 1977: his last was Super Sense at Sandown on February 2, 1991.
During that time, Richard rode a total of 554 winners.
He got his chance to ride due to the serious illness to jockey Bob Champion.
He later became a trainer.
His brother John was also a jockey.
Richard won the 1982 Whitbread on Shady Deal: 1988 Grand Annual Chase on Vodkatina and the 1990 Tote Gold Trophy on Deep Sensation.
1980: Mildmay-Cazalet Memorial Chase – Modesty Forbids
1982: Whitbread Gold Cup – Shady Deal
1985: S.G.B. Handicap Chase – Door Latch
1986: S.G.B. Handicap Chase – Door Latch
1988: Coral Golden Hurdle Final – Pragada
1988: Grand Annual Chase – Vodkatini
1989: Mildmay of Flete Chase – Paddyboro
1990: Tote Gold Trophy – Deep Sensation