Kerry Tucker
Kerry (Taffy) Tucker served a five-year apprenticeship in the 70s with Gordon Smyth at Heath House Stables when that yard then housed over 100 horses - Kerry won on his very first mount, Thundergold on Thursday, June 1, 1972 at Brighton, then won on him again two races later on Royal Ascot Saturday, June 24.
Kerry (Taffy) Tucker served a five-year apprenticeship in the 70s with Gordon Smyth at Heath House Stables when that yard then housed over 100 horses - Kerry won on his very first mount, Thundergold on Thursday, June 1, 1972 at Brighton, then won on him again two races later on Royal Ascot Saturday, June 24.
Later, when recalling his days there, Kerry said: 'In Lewes at this time there were many racing stables. Lewes was known as a racing town with many jockeys and apprentice jockeys residing there. One of the greats that I had the pleasure of meeting was Pat Edery's father Jimmy.
Later, when recalling his days there, Kerry said: 'In Lewes at this time there were many racing stables. Lewes was known as a racing town with many jockeys and apprentice jockeys residing there. One of the greats that I had the pleasure of meeting was Pat Edery's father Jimmy.
'Racing stables in Lewes at this time were Gordon Smyth, Mick Masson, Auriol Sinclair, Tom Gates and Mark Muggridge whose stables were on Lewes racecourse.
'Racing stables in Lewes at this time were Gordon Smyth, Mick Masson, Auriol Sinclair, Tom Gates and Mark Muggridge whose stables were on Lewes racecourse.
'Lewes Racecourse in the '60s and the '70s had some great racehorses work out there each morning, I am glad as I was part of this era. Some of the great Jockeys I rode with on Lewes racecourse are Geoff Lewis, Bobby Elliot, Phillip Waldron, Pat Eddery, Jimmy Lindley and of course Pat's father Jimmy.
'Lewes Racecourse in the '60s and the '70s had some great racehorses work out there each morning, I am glad as I was part of this era. Some of the great Jockeys I rode with on Lewes racecourse are Geoff Lewis, Bobby Elliot, Phillip Waldron, Pat Eddery, Jimmy Lindley and of course Pat's father Jimmy.
'When Gordon Smyth left to train in Hong Kong I then went to work with the very well known Miss Sinclair who trained at The Nursery Stables. She trained many winners over the jumps and on the flat with jump jockey Roger Rowell and the head girl Jo Crowley who is now a trainer.
'When Gordon Smyth left to train in Hong Kong I then went to work with the very well known Miss Sinclair who trained at The Nursery Stables. She trained many winners over the jumps and on the flat with jump jockey Roger Rowell and the head girl Jo Crowley who is now a trainer.
'Good memories of Lewes and the early mornings on the racecourse with so many good people.'
'Good memories of Lewes and the early mornings on the racecourse with so many good people.'