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Keith Wolstencroft
Keith Wolstencroft
1931-1995
1931-1995
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
Born in 1931 and having his first ride on December 27, 1954, it took Keith Wolstencroft four years to ride his only winner.
Born in 1931 and having his first ride on December 27, 1954, it took Keith Wolstencroft four years to ride his only winner.
The four-year-old Much Improved was his first mount, finishing unplaced in the 23-runner Mordon Novices’ Hurdle on Sedgefield’s Boxing Day card (Boxing Day itself was on a Sunday in 1954. As no racing took place on a Sunday in those times, the meeting took place the following day, December 27). Much Improved subsequently lived up to his name by winning a brace of novice hurdles later in the season with his owner-rider John Straker in the saddle.
The four-year-old Much Improved was his first mount, finishing unplaced in the 23-runner Mordon Novices’ Hurdle on Sedgefield’s Boxing Day card (Boxing Day itself was on a Sunday in 1954. As no racing took place on a Sunday in those times, the meeting took place the following day, December 27). Much Improved subsequently lived up to his name by winning a brace of novice hurdles later in the season with his owner-rider John Straker in the saddle.
Keith had a few rides in each of the following seasons without ever visiting the winner’s enclosure. Finally, at Hurst Park’s mixed meeting on October 20, 1958, he rode Galloway Hills, owned and trained by Alex Kilpatrick, to beat 13 rivals, all ridden by more experienced jockeys including Fred Winter, Tim Brookshaw, Stan Mellor and Bill Rees.
Keith had a few rides in each of the following seasons without ever visiting the winner’s enclosure. Finally, at Hurst Park’s mixed meeting on October 20, 1958, he rode Galloway Hills, owned and trained by Alex Kilpatrick, to beat 13 rivals, all ridden by more experienced jockeys including Fred Winter, Tim Brookshaw, Stan Mellor and Bill Rees.
The nine-year-old Galloway Hills had finished second with Keith aboard on his only previous start that season. Now they came with a strong late run to catch the useful chaser Athenian, ridden by Derek Ancil, close home and win by half a length. Found to be lame after the race, Galloway Hills did not race again.
The nine-year-old Galloway Hills had finished second with Keith aboard on his only previous start that season. Now they came with a strong late run to catch the useful chaser Athenian, ridden by Derek Ancil, close home and win by half a length. Found to be lame after the race, Galloway Hills did not race again.
His final ride was on Huish Hill, unplaced in the Weston Novices’ Chase at Ludlow on April 23, 1959.
His final ride was on Huish Hill, unplaced in the Weston Novices’ Chase at Ludlow on April 23, 1959.
Keith Wolstencroft died in 1995.
Keith Wolstencroft died in 1995.
Galloway Hills, Ken Wolstencroft's only winner
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