Ron Sheather
Ronald Sheather was born at Childry, Berkshire on July 7, 1932, and was one of several good apprentices raised by Ernie Davey, whom he stayed with between 1947 and 1952. Ron's father also worked for Davey.
Ronald Sheather was born at Childry, Berkshire on July 7, 1932, and was one of several good apprentices raised by Ernie Davey, whom he stayed with between 1947 and 1952. Ron's father also worked for Davey.
He rode his first winner on Little Nell, trained by Ernie Davey, in the Wilton Maiden Apprentice Plate at Stockton on August 22, 1947.
He rode his first winner on Little Nell, trained by Ernie Davey, in the Wilton Maiden Apprentice Plate at Stockton on August 22, 1947.
The most winners he rode in a season was 36.
The most winners he rode in a season was 36.
Ron's first NH winner was Calydon lll at Doncaster on November 28, 1951
Ron's first NH winner was Calydon lll at Doncaster on November 28, 1951
In 1958, Ron rode in America for Jock Whitney. In 1960, he suffered severe injuries, including fractures to both arms and legs, in a car crash on the way to a racetrack. He was told he would never ride again but, returning to Britain, he won on his first ride back at Catterick in 1962. He also, at that time, rode again over hurdles.
In 1958, Ron rode in America for Jock Whitney. In 1960, he suffered severe injuries, including fractures to both arms and legs, in a car crash on the way to a racetrack. He was told he would never ride again but, returning to Britain, he won on his first ride back at Catterick in 1962. He also, at that time, rode again over hurdles.
He rejoined Davey in 1970. For the next six years he rode work for Toby Balding before moving on to join Barry Hills.
He rejoined Davey in 1970. For the next six years he rode work for Toby Balding before moving on to join Barry Hills.
He took out a trainer's licence in February 1978 and set up at Newmarket.
He took out a trainer's licence in February 1978 and set up at Newmarket.
He was a great success as a trainer with, notably, Chief Singer - which gave jockey Ray Cochrane his first major win - and Saher.
He was a great success as a trainer with, notably, Chief Singer - which gave jockey Ray Cochrane his first major win - and Saher.
In 13 years at Park Lodge Stables, Ron only failed in one season to win a Group race between 1976 & 1989.
In 13 years at Park Lodge Stables, Ron only failed in one season to win a Group race between 1976 & 1989.
Since retiring from training, and up to his death, Ron acted as racing manager to owner Jeff Smith.
Since retiring from training, and up to his death, Ron acted as racing manager to owner Jeff Smith.
Ron lived at Well Cottage, in Kimpton near Andover.
Ron lived at Well Cottage, in Kimpton near Andover.
He was a well-read individual who enjoyed making his own beer. Eventually this likable, modest man ran a pub.
He was a well-read individual who enjoyed making his own beer. Eventually this likable, modest man ran a pub.
Ron Sheather died at Bury St Edmunds, aged 76, on Sunday, 3 May, 2009.
Ron Sheather died at Bury St Edmunds, aged 76, on Sunday, 3 May, 2009.
His biggest wins had come on Fair Seller in the 1951 Ayr Gold Cup and Young Christopher in the 1964 Craven Stakes.
His biggest wins had come on Fair Seller in the 1951 Ayr Gold Cup and Young Christopher in the 1964 Craven Stakes.