Gerald Shaw

Gerald William Shaw was born in Retford, Nottinghamshire on 1 November, 1949, and lived at 60 Holmes Road.

Unusually, he had no racing background but, as a thirteen-year-old, cycled down to the local stable yard of trainer Albert William Bacon asking if he could help out at the weekends.

Albert, who sent out his runners from The Chase, Grove Coach Road in Retford, agreed to take him on; this, on leaving school, eventually led to an apprenticeship.

On June 8, 1968, Gerald made the best possible start to his career when, at Market Rasen, he won his first race on Gunness, trained by Albert Bacon, in the Kesteven Handicap Hurdle.

Gerald nominated Trade Gap as the best horse he rode.

His best season came in 1968-69 when he booted home a dozen winners.

Once a keen swimmer, Gerald - now retired - still enjoys cycling and spends a bit of time walking his Weimaraner dog around the countryside.

Speaking of his time in the saddle, Gerald said: 'I didn't have any big winners as such but I didn't have many injuries either."