Ronald Rodwell

Ronald Rodwell

Article by Alan Trout

Ronald James Rodwell held a National Hunt jockey’s licence for six consecutive seasons spanning the late 1940s to early 1950s yet had few opportunities and only managed to ride one winner. 

He began his career by finishing fourth on Harvest Tune in the Hatton Selling Handicap Hurdle at Southwell on April 16, 1949. He did not come close to winning a race in subsequent seasons and in the 1950/51 campaign had just three unplaced rides on Applaud, owned and trained by permit holder Julius Vincenzi at White Colne, Essex. 

Things did not seem to be going any better the following season, with an unplaced effort and a fall on Applaud before the more experienced Alf Mullins took over in the saddle. However, the best Mullins could manage was one fourth place from two starts, so at Towcester on May 10, 1952, Ronald was given another chance on Applaud for the Loughton Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle. In a field of eleven Applaud was the complete outsider at 100/7, but he came through to take the lead two flights from home and beat the favourite Ivon Louis de Belford, ridden by his owner Mr John Bosley, winning by three lengths.

Applaud changed stables before the following season and Ronald had no more victories. His final ride was on another of Julius Vincenzi’s horses, Bagani, finishing unplaced in the Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2) at Towcester on June 5, 1954. He did not renew his licence the following season.