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Sandy Scratchley
Sandy Scratchley
1906-1973
1906-1973
Born on June 6, 1906, Alexander James (Sandy) Scratchley was a successful rider under National Hunt rules during the 1930s, amassing a total of 78 wins.
Born on June 6, 1906, Alexander James (Sandy) Scratchley was a successful rider under National Hunt rules during the 1930s, amassing a total of 78 wins.
He began as an amateur and made an unpromising start when his first ride in public, the four-year-old Young Prince, was a faller in the Easton Optional Selling Chase at Hethersett on March 8, 1928. However, barely a month later he rode his first winner when Teddie’s Boy, the 2-1 outsider of three, won the Farmers’ Chase at Fakenham (known then as ‘West Norfolk Hunt’) on Easter Monday, April 9, 1928, their task being made easier by both rivals falling, although one of them was remounted to finish a distant second.
He began as an amateur and made an unpromising start when his first ride in public, the four-year-old Young Prince, was a faller in the Easton Optional Selling Chase at Hethersett on March 8, 1928. However, barely a month later he rode his first winner when Teddie’s Boy, the 2-1 outsider of three, won the Farmers’ Chase at Fakenham (known then as ‘West Norfolk Hunt’) on Easter Monday, April 9, 1928, their task being made easier by both rivals falling, although one of them was remounted to finish a distant second.
He continued as an amateur until May 1933, turning professional two months later in time for the start of the 1933/34 National Hunt campaign. He enjoyed his best season in 1936/37 with 17 wins.
He continued as an amateur until May 1933, turning professional two months later in time for the start of the 1933/34 National Hunt campaign. He enjoyed his best season in 1936/37 with 17 wins.
On December 27, 1937, he partnered the five-time Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Golden Miller to win the Sparkford Chase at Wincanton by 15 lengths. It was the only time he rode that great champion.
On December 27, 1937, he partnered the five-time Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Golden Miller to win the Sparkford Chase at Wincanton by 15 lengths. It was the only time he rode that great champion.
He rode in two Grand Nationals, pulling up on Tapinois in 1938, then completing the course in eighth place on Pencraik in 1939. He did not win any major races, although he finished third in the 1938 Grand International Hurdle on Night Owl and fourth in the1939 Lancashire Chase aboard Rightun.
He rode in two Grand Nationals, pulling up on Tapinois in 1938, then completing the course in eighth place on Pencraik in 1939. He did not win any major races, although he finished third in the 1938 Grand International Hurdle on Night Owl and fourth in the1939 Lancashire Chase aboard Rightun.
He rode his last winner on Maple, trained at Blewbury by former multiple champion jockey Steve Donoghue, in the Tewkesbury Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham on April 10, 1940. His final ride ended the same way as his first, with a fall, parting company with Wain at the last hurdle at Southwell on April 29, 1940.
He rode his last winner on Maple, trained at Blewbury by former multiple champion jockey Steve Donoghue, in the Tewkesbury Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham on April 10, 1940. His final ride ended the same way as his first, with a fall, parting company with Wain at the last hurdle at Southwell on April 29, 1940.
Sandy Scratchley served with the S.A.S. during World War II. He died on May 13, 1973, aged 66.
Sandy Scratchley served with the S.A.S. during World War II. He died on May 13, 1973, aged 66.
Sandy's last winner: Maple, Cheltenham, April 10 1940.
Sandy's last winner: Maple, Cheltenham, April 10 1940.
Sandy & Golden Miller won at Wincanton on December 27, 1937
Sandy & Golden Miller won at Wincanton on December 27, 1937
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