Avril Vasey
1906 - 1986
1906 - 1986
Melton Avril Vasey was born at Doncaster on April 4, 1906, and became apprenticed to his father, Fred Melton Vasey.
Melton Avril Vasey was born at Doncaster on April 4, 1906, and became apprenticed to his father, Fred Melton Vasey.
Avril rode as a professional NH jockey from 1923 to 1934.
Avril rode as a professional NH jockey from 1923 to 1934.
His first winner was Son O'Lomond at Leicester on February 19, 1924.
His first winner was Son O'Lomond at Leicester on February 19, 1924.
In the 1929 Scottish Grand National, riding Donzelon, he fell at the water. He was knocked out and, completely submerged, would have drowned had not Bilbie Rees also fallen there and noticed his boots sticking up above the water.
In the 1929 Scottish Grand National, riding Donzelon, he fell at the water. He was knocked out and, completely submerged, would have drowned had not Bilbie Rees also fallen there and noticed his boots sticking up above the water.
He kept the boots that saved his life.
He kept the boots that saved his life.
Avril was the third generation of the Vaseys to train successfully.
Avril was the third generation of the Vaseys to train successfully.
His daughter married NH jockey/trainer Peter Chisman.
His daughter married NH jockey/trainer Peter Chisman.
Avril, died on March 12, 1986, age 79.
Avril, died on March 12, 1986, age 79.