Melville Soles

Melville Soles

Article by Alan Trout

Although Melville John Soles rode under National Hunt rules for several seasons, he only managed one victory. 

Associated with the stable of former jump jockey Ron Vibert, he had his first ride at Chepstow on January 30, 1973, when his mount, the six-year-old Retrospect, faded after early prominence to finish sixth in the Western Handicap Hurdle. 

Experienced professionals Ken White and David Cartwright then each had a start on Retrospect without being placed, but when Melville took over in the saddle again they comfortably landed the Studley Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1, Part 2) on a marathon 12-race card at Stratford on April 5 by five lengths, beating 19 others. Graham Thorner then took the ride and Melville had no more success, although it was not until the meeting at Huntingdon on Boxing Day 1978 that he had his final ride when Comet Kohouten finished well beaten in the Ouse Handicap Hurdle.