Mark Stevenson

Mark Stevenson

Article by Alan Trout

Mark Stevenson rode three winners under National Hunt rules during the late 1970s, having had his first ride at Southwell on April 9, 1977 when Red Frame, also making his debut over jumps, was unplaced in the Hard-Luck Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1). 

Mark was associated with the Gainsborough stable of Jim Leigh, who provided his first winner when 14/1 chance Royal Declaration, having his first race over obstacles, took the lead two flights from home and ran on strongly to take the Ketsby Maiden Hurdle (Division 2) at Market Rasen on Easter Monday, March 27, 1978. (The rider’s name was incorrectly spelt as ‘Stephenson’ in the form book’s results.)

Mark kept the ride but two unplaced efforts followed, and it was not until he returned to the Lincolnshire venue on Boxing Day 1978 that he had another win. This time the seven-year-old Westward Leading, also trained by Jim Leigh, was prominent throughout and came home a comfortable winner of the Risby Selling Hurdle. 

He had his third and final win back at Southwell on April 5, 1980, when Foolish Hero battled on strongly to take the Easter-Egg Handicap Hurdle. It was Mark’s second ride on the Kim Bailey-trained four-year-old. Beaten by half a length into second place that day was Burrough Hill Lad who went on to win many good races including the 1984 Cheltenham Gold Cup. 

Mark had his final ride at Stratford on May 21, 1982, when Splived finished fifth in the Jim Slater Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.