David Speck
David Victor Speck was born on July 3, 1952, the son of National Hunt jockey Vic Speck and grandson of William (Billy) Speck, one of the leading jockeys of the 1920s and 1930s. In addition, his uncle was Champion Hurdle-winning jockey George Slack, who finished three times second in the Grand National.
David Victor Speck was born on July 3, 1952, the son of National Hunt jockey Vic Speck and grandson of William (Billy) Speck, one of the leading jockeys of the 1920s and 1930s. In addition, his uncle was Champion Hurdle-winning jockey George Slack, who finished three times second in the Grand National.
Given such a pedigree, David was always destined to be a jockey. He began riding almost before he could walk and was hunting with the Belvoir and South Notts packs from the age of ten.
Given such a pedigree, David was always destined to be a jockey. He began riding almost before he could walk and was hunting with the Belvoir and South Notts packs from the age of ten.
Aged 15, he became apprenticed to Avril Vasey at Middleham. Just three weeks intro his apprenticeship, on his third ride in public, he rode his first winner on Palmallet in a one-mile handicap at Nottingham on August 14, 1967.
Aged 15, he became apprenticed to Avril Vasey at Middleham. Just three weeks intro his apprenticeship, on his third ride in public, he rode his first winner on Palmallet in a one-mile handicap at Nottingham on August 14, 1967.
In 1968 his indentures were transferred to his father who trained at Waltham-on-the-Wolds, near Melton Mowbray. He later joined Les Hall and then, when rising weight dictated that his future lay over jumps, relocated to the stables of former champion jockey Stan Mellor.
In 1968 his indentures were transferred to his father who trained at Waltham-on-the-Wolds, near Melton Mowbray. He later joined Les Hall and then, when rising weight dictated that his future lay over jumps, relocated to the stables of former champion jockey Stan Mellor.
David rode his first winner under National Hunt rules on Summer Storm, trained by Mellor, in an opportunity (novice riders) handicap hurdle at Towcester on January 24, 1974. His second came courtesy of another Mellor-trained handicap hurdler, Third Redeemer, at Bangor-on-Dee on March 21; his third on Mellor’s novice hurdler Druid at Southwell on May 23. He finished the campaign with those three winners from 25 mounts.
David rode his first winner under National Hunt rules on Summer Storm, trained by Mellor, in an opportunity (novice riders) handicap hurdle at Towcester on January 24, 1974. His second came courtesy of another Mellor-trained handicap hurdler, Third Redeemer, at Bangor-on-Dee on March 21; his third on Mellor’s novice hurdler Druid at Southwell on May 23. He finished the campaign with those three winners from 25 mounts.
He rode his first winner over fences on Dailyaide, also trained by Mellor, in a two-mile handicap chase at Wincanton on October 4, 1974. Another career highlight was a ‘cup’ double at Uttoxeter on April 12, 1975 on two more Mellor-trained horses, Stepson in the Elkes Challenge Cup Handicap Hurdle and Another Muddle in the Hawthorn Memorial Challenge Cup Handicap Chase.
He rode his first winner over fences on Dailyaide, also trained by Mellor, in a two-mile handicap chase at Wincanton on October 4, 1974. Another career highlight was a ‘cup’ double at Uttoxeter on April 12, 1975 on two more Mellor-trained horses, Stepson in the Elkes Challenge Cup Handicap Hurdle and Another Muddle in the Hawthorn Memorial Challenge Cup Handicap Chase.
Later that month, David won a Worcester handicap hurdle on Arne Folly for trainer Edward Champneys, then in May landed a Newton Abbot selling hurdle on Sarah’s Choice, trained by Doug Marks. He ended the 1974/75 season with seven wins to his name.
Later that month, David won a Worcester handicap hurdle on Arne Folly for trainer Edward Champneys, then in May landed a Newton Abbot selling hurdle on Sarah’s Choice, trained by Doug Marks. He ended the 1974/75 season with seven wins to his name.
But that appears to have been as good as it got. The next year saw him riding for Ryan Price’s stable but he endured a blank campaign and did not renew his licence the following season.
But that appears to have been as good as it got. The next year saw him riding for Ryan Price’s stable but he endured a blank campaign and did not renew his licence the following season.
Unless it was those twin enemies of rising weight and/or injury that brought about the end of what had looked a highly promising career, it is perhaps surprising that David Speck did not go on to enjoy the level of success achieved by his father and his grandfather before him.
Unless it was those twin enemies of rising weight and/or injury that brought about the end of what had looked a highly promising career, it is perhaps surprising that David Speck did not go on to enjoy the level of success achieved by his father and his grandfather before him.