Stuart Shilston
The son of an Exeter farmer, Stuart Reginald William Shilston was born in Totnes, Devon, on November 13, 1958, and started out as an amateur with Fulke Walwyn.
The son of an Exeter farmer, Stuart Reginald William Shilston was born in Totnes, Devon, on November 13, 1958, and started out as an amateur with Fulke Walwyn.
His first winner was Mr Linnet at Towcester in November, 1976: his last winner was Slightly Gone at Towcester on December 9, 1989.
His first winner was Mr Linnet at Towcester in November, 1976: his last winner was Slightly Gone at Towcester on December 9, 1989.
During his fifteen year career, he rode ten winners for the Queen Mother and won the 1982 Stayers Hurdle on Crimson Embers.
During his fifteen year career, he rode ten winners for the Queen Mother and won the 1982 Stayers Hurdle on Crimson Embers.
In 1986, riding Contradeal in the Ritz Club Chase at Cheltenham, he fell at the 14th fence. His horse crushed him, breaking a vertebrae in the base of his spine. Stuart also had a heart valve squashed. For four days he was on the critical list and is lucky to be alive.
In 1986, riding Contradeal in the Ritz Club Chase at Cheltenham, he fell at the 14th fence. His horse crushed him, breaking a vertebrae in the base of his spine. Stuart also had a heart valve squashed. For four days he was on the critical list and is lucky to be alive.
Stuart rode a total of 131 winners.
Stuart rode a total of 131 winners.
photo courtesy John Griffiths
photo courtesy John Griffiths
Stuart Shilston
Stuart Shilston
Big winners:
Big winners:
1982: Stayers’ Hurdle – Crimson Embers
1982: Stayers’ Hurdle – Crimson Embers
1983: Long Walk Hurdle – Crimson Embers
1983: Long Walk Hurdle – Crimson Embers
1984: Charisma Gold Cup – Everett
1984: Charisma Gold Cup – Everett
1985: Cathcart Challenge Cup Chase – Straight Accord
1985: Cathcart Challenge Cup Chase – Straight Accord
1985: Charisma Gold Cup – Everett
1985: Charisma Gold Cup – Everett
1986: Stayers’ Hurdle – Crimson Embers
1986: Stayers’ Hurdle – Crimson Embers
1986: Charisma Gold Cup – Everett
1986: Charisma Gold Cup – Everett