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David Swift
David Swift
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
David Douglas Swift had his first ride over jumps in the autumn of 1973 but did not win a race for nearly five years. However, he persevered and eventually ended up with four victories.
David Douglas Swift had his first ride over jumps in the autumn of 1973 but did not win a race for nearly five years. However, he persevered and eventually ended up with four victories.
He began at Towcester on October 6, 1973 when Proud Mary trailed in last of eight finishers in the Paulerspury Novices’ Hurdle. The four-year-old was trained by Ray Peacock, with whose stable David was associated.
He began at Towcester on October 6, 1973 when Proud Mary trailed in last of eight finishers in the Paulerspury Novices’ Hurdle. The four-year-old was trained by Ray Peacock, with whose stable David was associated.
The long awaited first success came at Hexham on September 11, 1978 when the three-year-old Sing Man overhauled long-time leader Sasscombe on the flat to win the Rising Sun Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1) by two and a half lengths. The winner was the only one of the first four home to have had a previous start, having been unplaced with David on board at Market Rasen at the end of July.
The long awaited first success came at Hexham on September 11, 1978 when the three-year-old Sing Man overhauled long-time leader Sasscombe on the flat to win the Rising Sun Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1) by two and a half lengths. The winner was the only one of the first four home to have had a previous start, having been unplaced with David on board at Market Rasen at the end of July.
The pair finished third at Uttoxeter next time out before scoring again at Sedgefield on October 3, this time landing the Easington Novices’ Hurdle by 12 lengths. David had three more rides on Sing Man, finishing second twice, on the last occasion being beaten four lengths by future three-time Queen Mother Champion Chase hero Badsworth Boy.
The pair finished third at Uttoxeter next time out before scoring again at Sedgefield on October 3, this time landing the Easington Novices’ Hurdle by 12 lengths. David had three more rides on Sing Man, finishing second twice, on the last occasion being beaten four lengths by future three-time Queen Mother Champion Chase hero Badsworth Boy.
It was more than a year before David won another race but at Catterick on November 10, 1979 he recorded a 12-length success when the six-year-old Chebbie, making his first start for nearly two years, was far too good for his 18 rivals in the Skelfield Selling Handicap Hurdle. Again, David kept the ride, coming closest when beaten half a length at Market Rasen in March 1980.
It was more than a year before David won another race but at Catterick on November 10, 1979 he recorded a 12-length success when the six-year-old Chebbie, making his first start for nearly two years, was far too good for his 18 rivals in the Skelfield Selling Handicap Hurdle. Again, David kept the ride, coming closest when beaten half a length at Market Rasen in March 1980.
It was not until January 30, 1982 that he achieved his fourth success, and it was easily the biggest of his career. At Doncaster the five-year-old Bally-Go, trained by Mick Easterby, won the Yorkshire Handicap Hurdle, finishing two lengths clear of Bob Davies on Mount Harvard. The 26lb the winner was receiving from the runner-up undoubtedly helped.
It was not until January 30, 1982 that he achieved his fourth success, and it was easily the biggest of his career. At Doncaster the five-year-old Bally-Go, trained by Mick Easterby, won the Yorkshire Handicap Hurdle, finishing two lengths clear of Bob Davies on Mount Harvard. The 26lb the winner was receiving from the runner-up undoubtedly helped.
That was the only time he rode the gelding and there were few further opportunities thereafter. His final ride came at Wetherby on March 2, 1983 when Corallie Reef was tailed off in the Harewood Novices’ Hurdle.
That was the only time he rode the gelding and there were few further opportunities thereafter. His final ride came at Wetherby on March 2, 1983 when Corallie Reef was tailed off in the Harewood Novices’ Hurdle.
David Swift’s wins were, in chronological order:
David Swift’s wins were, in chronological order:
1. Sing Man, Hexham, September 11, 1978
1. Sing Man, Hexham, September 11, 1978
2. Sing Man, Sedgefield, October 3, 1978
2. Sing Man, Sedgefield, October 3, 1978
3. Chebbie, Catterick Bridge, November 10, 1979
3. Chebbie, Catterick Bridge, November 10, 1979
4. Bally-Go, Doncaster, January 30, 1982
4. Bally-Go, Doncaster, January 30, 1982
David Swift's final winner Bally-Go, Doncaster, January 30, 1982
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