Martin Saunders
Martin Saunders rode from 1972 to 1982.
Martin Saunders rode from 1972 to 1982.
The son of an engineer, he was born on 18 July, 1960, and entered into racing in the hot summer of 1976 when he became an apprentice with Gavin Pritchard-Gordon.
The son of an engineer, he was born on 18 July, 1960, and entered into racing in the hot summer of 1976 when he became an apprentice with Gavin Pritchard-Gordon.
One of ten apprentices there, he got his first race ride at Great Yarmouth on the nine-year-old veteran Gur Amir.
One of ten apprentices there, he got his first race ride at Great Yarmouth on the nine-year-old veteran Gur Amir.
Saunders remarked: 'The horse knew exactly what to do. I was merely a passenger that day.'
Saunders remarked: 'The horse knew exactly what to do. I was merely a passenger that day.'
In 1978, Saunders moved stables to Epsom where he became second apprentice to the late Joe Blanks.
In 1978, Saunders moved stables to Epsom where he became second apprentice to the late Joe Blanks.
In 1980, he rode his first winner, the rank outsider R J Wallis in the Crown Plus Two Apprentice Handicap, beating the stable favourite Intercraft Boy.
In 1980, he rode his first winner, the rank outsider R J Wallis in the Crown Plus Two Apprentice Handicap, beating the stable favourite Intercraft Boy.
This was not a popular win as most people had backed Intercraft Boy.
This was not a popular win as most people had backed Intercraft Boy.
He went on to win at Salisbury two weeks later.
He went on to win at Salisbury two weeks later.
1981 would be Martin Saunders's best year.
1981 would be Martin Saunders's best year.
He rode winners on Bionic Bill, Showpiece, King of Speed and, his best winner, Rocamadour.
He rode winners on Bionic Bill, Showpiece, King of Speed and, his best winner, Rocamadour.
Saunders won twice and came second once on the two-year-old Rocamadour.
Saunders won twice and came second once on the two-year-old Rocamadour.
He was down to ride the horse in the 1982 2,000 Guineas, but was replaced by Walter Swinburn three days before the race.
He was down to ride the horse in the 1982 2,000 Guineas, but was replaced by Walter Swinburn three days before the race.
Saunders said later: 'I was heartbroken with the decision. I knew the horse inside out. Arthur Pitt was completely wrong to take me off the horse.'
Saunders said later: 'I was heartbroken with the decision. I knew the horse inside out. Arthur Pitt was completely wrong to take me off the horse.'
Rocamadour finished fourth in the race before going on to finish eighth in the Derby.
Rocamadour finished fourth in the race before going on to finish eighth in the Derby.
After the 1982 Derby, Saunders moved stables to join Captain Ryan Price where he was second jockey to Brian Rouse.
After the 1982 Derby, Saunders moved stables to join Captain Ryan Price where he was second jockey to Brian Rouse.
Unfortunately, Sanders was badly injured in a fall from Spin of a Coin in the Old Newton Cup at Haydock Park.
Unfortunately, Sanders was badly injured in a fall from Spin of a Coin in the Old Newton Cup at Haydock Park.
He returned to the saddle three months later, but had his final ride at Windsor on Mario Marine.
He returned to the saddle three months later, but had his final ride at Windsor on Mario Marine.
Saunders left racing in August 1982.
Saunders left racing in August 1982.
He went on to became a very successful businessman in the IT world.
He went on to became a very successful businessman in the IT world.
His company, Pushkablue, sponsored races at Lingfield Park and matches at AFC Bournemouth.
His company, Pushkablue, sponsored races at Lingfield Park and matches at AFC Bournemouth.
He is now retired at 56, and lives in Poole, Dorset.
He is now retired at 56, and lives in Poole, Dorset.