Denis Ward
1932 - 1995
1932 - 1995
Denis Ward was born on the Syke Estate at Rochdale, on May 11, 1932, and lived at Nunthorpe Hall, Albermarle Road, York.
Denis Ward was born on the Syke Estate at Rochdale, on May 11, 1932, and lived at Nunthorpe Hall, Albermarle Road, York.
He was apprenticed to George Digby at Newmarket for six years; he then spent a further three years with N. Scobie at Richmond. He rode his first winner, Winsome Princess, on September 28, 1949, at Newmarket.
He was apprenticed to George Digby at Newmarket for six years; he then spent a further three years with N. Scobie at Richmond. He rode his first winner, Winsome Princess, on September 28, 1949, at Newmarket.
Winsome Princess wasn't entered into the race according to the morning papers.
Winsome Princess wasn't entered into the race according to the morning papers.
An additional runner, as they were called then, it confounded many a punter by unexpectedly turning up to win at 11/2. Many a coup was landed this way.
An additional runner, as they were called then, it confounded many a punter by unexpectedly turning up to win at 11/2. Many a coup was landed this way.
Big races Denis won included the 1953 November Handicap on Torch Singer, Salford Borough (twice) and the Champion Apprentice Plate at Carlisle.
Big races Denis won included the 1953 November Handicap on Torch Singer, Salford Borough (twice) and the Champion Apprentice Plate at Carlisle.
Denis's best season was 1961, with 16 winners. He retired in 1973 having ridden in seven countries and accumulated 97 winners.
Denis's best season was 1961, with 16 winners. He retired in 1973 having ridden in seven countries and accumulated 97 winners.
Outside racing, Denis enjoyed gardening, golf, tennis, motoring and music.
Outside racing, Denis enjoyed gardening, golf, tennis, motoring and music.
Denis died on November 23, 1995, aged 63.
Denis died on November 23, 1995, aged 63.
Big winners:
Big winners:
1953: Manchester November Handicap – Torch Singer
1953: Manchester November Handicap – Torch Singer
1958: Gosforth Park Handicap – Regal Rock
1958: Gosforth Park Handicap – Regal Rock
1958: Royal Burgh of Ayr Handicap – Windyedge
1958: Royal Burgh of Ayr Handicap – Windyedge
1960: Salford Borough Handicap – P.C. 49
1960: Salford Borough Handicap – P.C. 49
1962: Salford Borough Handicap – P.C. 49
1962: Salford Borough Handicap – P.C. 49
