Michael Stephens
Michael on his first winner, Shinto
Michael on his first winner, Shinto
His second winner, Indian Fort
His second winner, Indian Fort
Michael Leonard Stephens, from Middleham, Leyburn, was born on August 23, 1956, and was the son of jockey Len Stephens.
Michael Leonard Stephens, from Middleham, Leyburn, was born on August 23, 1956, and was the son of jockey Len Stephens.
He was also the step-son of jockey Gerry Scott. His mother died in 2015.
He was also the step-son of jockey Gerry Scott. His mother died in 2015.
On leaving school, he went straight to David Nicholson before becoming a conditional rider for Neville Crump.
On leaving school, he went straight to David Nicholson before becoming a conditional rider for Neville Crump.
Michael's first ride was on Snoopy at Warwick. They finished fourth.
Michael's first ride was on Snoopy at Warwick. They finished fourth.
He fell, at Devon, on his second ride.
He fell, at Devon, on his second ride.
He rode his first winner, Shinto, 13-8 fav, (for David Nicholson) at Huntingdon on December 3, 1974. Michael won on him again the following season, the Longbridge Hurdle (below) at Worcester.
He rode his first winner, Shinto, 13-8 fav, (for David Nicholson) at Huntingdon on December 3, 1974. Michael won on him again the following season, the Longbridge Hurdle (below) at Worcester.
His second winner, Indian Fort, came at Catterick for Malpas trainer K. Sutton.
His second winner, Indian Fort, came at Catterick for Malpas trainer K. Sutton.
He also won Cheltenham's Cleeve Handicap Hurdle and was unlucky in the 1981 Tote Northern Hurdle at Haydock, finishing second on Richdee.
He also won Cheltenham's Cleeve Handicap Hurdle and was unlucky in the 1981 Tote Northern Hurdle at Haydock, finishing second on Richdee.
His three winners in 1979-80 were the most he rode in a season.
His three winners in 1979-80 were the most he rode in a season.
On October 25,1980, he married Karen Barlow.
On October 25,1980, he married Karen Barlow.