Reginald Ward
1874 - 1904
1874 - 1904
Captain The Hon. Reginald Ward, popularly known as Reggie, was born on June 11, 1874. He had a brief career under National Hunt rules in the 1890s, during which he finished runner-up in both the Grand National and the National Hunt Chase.
Captain The Hon. Reginald Ward, popularly known as Reggie, was born on June 11, 1874. He had a brief career under National Hunt rules in the 1890s, during which he finished runner-up in both the Grand National and the National Hunt Chase.
The young Army officer rode his own horse Benediction to finish second in the 1896 National Hunt Chase, run that year at Hurst Park, being beaten by three-quarters of a length in a closely fought out duel with Ludgershall, the mount of Harry Ripley.
The young Army officer rode his own horse Benediction to finish second in the 1896 National Hunt Chase, run that year at Hurst Park, being beaten by three-quarters of a length in a closely fought out duel with Ludgershall, the mount of Harry Ripley.
In the same year he made his first appearance in the Grand National on another of his horses Cathal, who had finished second to Wild Man From Borneo the previous year and whom Reggie had bought in the interim. They finished eighth behind The Soarer, ridden by David Campbell of the 9th Lancers.
In the same year he made his first appearance in the Grand National on another of his horses Cathal, who had finished second to Wild Man From Borneo the previous year and whom Reggie had bought in the interim. They finished eighth behind The Soarer, ridden by David Campbell of the 9th Lancers.
Later that year, on October 26, 1896, Reggie rode a fine race to win the Keele Handicap Hurdle at Keele Park on yet another of his horses, the top-weight Oregon, getting the better of a determined battle with the 7/2 favourite Romeo to win by a neck.
Later that year, on October 26, 1896, Reggie rode a fine race to win the Keele Handicap Hurdle at Keele Park on yet another of his horses, the top-weight Oregon, getting the better of a determined battle with the 7/2 favourite Romeo to win by a neck.
Reggie rode Cathal again in the 1897 Grand National and started the 7/1 second favourite in the field of 28 runners, only to fall at the final obstacle when still in with a chance.
Reggie rode Cathal again in the 1897 Grand National and started the 7/1 second favourite in the field of 28 runners, only to fall at the final obstacle when still in with a chance.
In 1898 Reggie rode Cathal for a third time in the Grand National, in which they were again sent off the 7/1 second favourite. The race that year was run in a blinding snowstorm. Coming to the final fence, Cathal made a brave attempt to get on terms with the leader, Drogheda, only to see him draw clear on the run-in for a three-length victory. So heavily was the snow falling as the horses passed the post, that few, if any, of the spectators knew who had won. That was Reggie Ward’s last attempt in the Grand National.
In 1898 Reggie rode Cathal for a third time in the Grand National, in which they were again sent off the 7/1 second favourite. The race that year was run in a blinding snowstorm. Coming to the final fence, Cathal made a brave attempt to get on terms with the leader, Drogheda, only to see him draw clear on the run-in for a three-length victory. So heavily was the snow falling as the horses passed the post, that few, if any, of the spectators knew who had won. That was Reggie Ward’s last attempt in the Grand National.
One of his last wins came on Dargai in the Maiden Chase at Sandown’s Grand Military meeting on March 3, 1899. Within a short time of that he was engaged on active service in the Boer War.
One of his last wins came on Dargai in the Maiden Chase at Sandown’s Grand Military meeting on March 3, 1899. Within a short time of that he was engaged on active service in the Boer War.
When hostilities ended he was ready to recommence riding in races, only to suffer a premature death on March 7, 1904. He failed to survive an operation for appendicitis.
When hostilities ended he was ready to recommence riding in races, only to suffer a premature death on March 7, 1904. He failed to survive an operation for appendicitis.
He was just 29 years old.
He was just 29 years old.
Reginald won 68 out of 269 races.
Reginald won 68 out of 269 races.