Paul Seamark

Paul Seamark

Article by Alan Trout

Associated with Beverley-based trainer Geoff Toft, Paul Seamark had three wins from less than a dozen rides in the early part of 1971, all of them gained on Alexandra Parade.

He made his debut aboard Arctic Bee, finishing sixth of eleven runners in the Plant Juvenile Hurdle (Division 1) at Doncaster on November 6, 1970. Ironically, Arctic Bee was the horse he beat into second place when enjoying his first success on the four-year-old colt Alexandra Parade in the Syerston Selling Hurdle at Southwell on January 20, 1971, quickening past his Nimrod Wilkinson-ridden stable companion on the flat to score by three lengths. It meant Geoff Toft had trained the first two home but the stable’s second string had won, for Arctic Bee started the 15/8 favourite whereas Alexandra Parade was a 33/1 outsider. 

Paul kept the ride on Alexandra Parade and followed up next time out in the Coldstream Novices’ Hurdle at Kelso on January 27. The hat-trick was achieved at Wetherby on February 6 in the Acomb Novices’ Hurdle (Division 3), comfortably beating Gerry Scott’s mount Hard Silk by ten lengths. 

Hopes of a four-timer were dashed when Alexandra Parade could only finish fifth on his next, and final, start of the season at Wetherby on March 3, after leading two flights from home. 

Paul rode Alexandra Parade on three of his five unsuccessful outings the following season but did not renew his licence after that.