Lionel Vick
1923 - 1969
1923 - 1969
Lionel Barry Kingdon Vick was born at Epsom on August 31, 1923, the son of trainer Robert Baron Vick. He rode his first winner as a 15-year-old amateur on Danno at Plumpton on March 15, 1939. It was only his third ride in public.
Lionel Barry Kingdon Vick was born at Epsom on August 31, 1923, the son of trainer Robert Baron Vick. He rode his first winner as a 15-year-old amateur on Danno at Plumpton on March 15, 1939. It was only his third ride in public.
He turned professional after the war and rode Magnetic Fin to victory in the 1948 Scottish Grand National. The following year, on the same horse, he fell at Becher’s Brook first time round in the Grand National.
He turned professional after the war and rode Magnetic Fin to victory in the 1948 Scottish Grand National. The following year, on the same horse, he fell at Becher’s Brook first time round in the Grand National.
His career was ended by a fall from Feathered Friend when leading the field in the Lambton Handicap Chase at Sedgefield on March 10, 1951. His spinal cord was severed and he was left permanently paralysed below the armpits.
His career was ended by a fall from Feathered Friend when leading the field in the Lambton Handicap Chase at Sedgefield on March 10, 1951. His spinal cord was severed and he was left permanently paralysed below the armpits.
After studying accountancy while recovering in hospital, he set up his own business which he ran from his home in Weston Turville, Buckinghamshire.
After studying accountancy while recovering in hospital, he set up his own business which he ran from his home in Weston Turville, Buckinghamshire.
On Monday, 21 April 1969, his car was in collision with another vehicle near Wantage. Lionel Vick was killed instantly.
On Monday, 21 April 1969, his car was in collision with another vehicle near Wantage. Lionel Vick was killed instantly.
A steeplechase has been run in memory at Newbury for many years.
A steeplechase has been run in memory at Newbury for many years.