Steve Wood
Steve Wood rode his first winner, Allisterdransfield, at Ayr on 19 July, 1986.
Steve Wood rode his first winner, Allisterdransfield, at Ayr on 19 July, 1986.
One of the country's finest lightweight Flat jockeys, he rode for David Chapman, the Yorkshire trainer based at Stillington.
One of the country's finest lightweight Flat jockeys, he rode for David Chapman, the Yorkshire trainer based at Stillington.
His successes included the 1988 Carlisle Bell on Affaire de Coeur.
His successes included the 1988 Carlisle Bell on Affaire de Coeur.
On Saturday, 1 July, 1989, riding in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle, Steve's mount Metannee hit a slippery patch on the bend entering the back straight and fell.
On Saturday, 1 July, 1989, riding in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle, Steve's mount Metannee hit a slippery patch on the bend entering the back straight and fell.
Steve said: 'Her legs went from under her. There was nothing I could do'.
Steve said: 'Her legs went from under her. There was nothing I could do'.
On January 18, 1990, Steve rode on Lingfield's Equitrack for the first time - and completed a winning 32-1 double on Swing North and Rapporteur.
On January 18, 1990, Steve rode on Lingfield's Equitrack for the first time - and completed a winning 32-1 double on Swing North and Rapporteur.
But this was not to prove a lucky track for him.
But this was not to prove a lucky track for him.
At Haydock in August, 1991, Steve was suspended for two days (August 19-20) for excessive use of the whip on Marlingford, beaten a head by Able Player in the John Mallinson Handicap.
At Haydock in August, 1991, Steve was suspended for two days (August 19-20) for excessive use of the whip on Marlingford, beaten a head by Able Player in the John Mallinson Handicap.
He had better luck on October 1992. Jason Weaver turned up late for the opening race at Redcar. Steve substituted - and won at 50/1!
He had better luck on October 1992. Jason Weaver turned up late for the opening race at Redcar. Steve substituted - and won at 50/1!
26-year-old Steve returned to Lingfield on Friday May 6, 1994. He had gone through a divorce, had a son to support and, like every other jockey, had been horrified at the injuries sustained by Declan Murphy in a hurdle race at Haydock four days earlier.
26-year-old Steve returned to Lingfield on Friday May 6, 1994. He had gone through a divorce, had a son to support and, like every other jockey, had been horrified at the injuries sustained by Declan Murphy in a hurdle race at Haydock four days earlier.
Steve was at Lingfield to ride Kalar for David Chapman in the Moorhen Handicap over five furlongs.
Steve was at Lingfield to ride Kalar for David Chapman in the Moorhen Handicap over five furlongs.
He was challenging for the lead when disaster struck. Kalar clipped the heels of another horse and Steve was sent crashing to the ground. He died where he fell 25 minutes later.
He was challenging for the lead when disaster struck. Kalar clipped the heels of another horse and Steve was sent crashing to the ground. He died where he fell 25 minutes later.
Geoff Stickels, the clerk of the course, said later: 'It would appear from the examination by the attending doctor that he was heavily trodden on and sustained chest injuries from which he died shortly after.'
Geoff Stickels, the clerk of the course, said later: 'It would appear from the examination by the attending doctor that he was heavily trodden on and sustained chest injuries from which he died shortly after.'
Two other jockeys, Tony Clark and Chris Dwyer, were also thrown from their horses during the incident, but escaped serious injury.
Two other jockeys, Tony Clark and Chris Dwyer, were also thrown from their horses during the incident, but escaped serious injury.
Steve rode 129 winners, the last being on the same horse in August, 1993.
Steve rode 129 winners, the last being on the same horse in August, 1993.
Tony Sunley, managing director of Lingfield Park said: 'It was just a straightforward incident, which had tragic results. I can say that 999 jockeys out of a 1,000 would have got up and walked away. Unfortunately, Steve was trodden on by the horse. When a horse treads on you at 30 miles an hour it can have devastating effects. He had heavy crush marks on his chest and massive internal injuries.'
Tony Sunley, managing director of Lingfield Park said: 'It was just a straightforward incident, which had tragic results. I can say that 999 jockeys out of a 1,000 would have got up and walked away. Unfortunately, Steve was trodden on by the horse. When a horse treads on you at 30 miles an hour it can have devastating effects. He had heavy crush marks on his chest and massive internal injuries.'
Steve, who came from Sheffield and was born on July 16, 1967, was the first rider to be killed on a British race course since Philip Barnard's fatal fall from Sayyure at Wincanton in December 1991 - and the first Flat jockey since Joe Blanks, who died after falling at Brighton in July, 1981.
Steve, who came from Sheffield and was born on July 16, 1967, was the first rider to be killed on a British race course since Philip Barnard's fatal fall from Sayyure at Wincanton in December 1991 - and the first Flat jockey since Joe Blanks, who died after falling at Brighton in July, 1981.
A collection from the jockeys at Lingfield realised around £5,000. As news of the tragedy spread, collections were taken from jockeys at the other meetings and every rider promised to donate their fees to Steve's family.
A collection from the jockeys at Lingfield realised around £5,000. As news of the tragedy spread, collections were taken from jockeys at the other meetings and every rider promised to donate their fees to Steve's family.
Steve's funeral took place at 11.30 at the Methodist Church, Chapel Street, Easingwold, North Yorkshire. Lord Oaksey gave the address.
Steve's funeral took place at 11.30 at the Methodist Church, Chapel Street, Easingwold, North Yorkshire. Lord Oaksey gave the address.
Steve was divorced with one son, Thomas
Steve was divorced with one son, Thomas