Grand National winner Michael Scudamore dies aged 81
Grand National-winning former jockey Michael Scudamore has died aged 81.
He had been suffering from cancer.
Michael was father of eight-times champion jump jockey Peter, and grandfather to National Hunt jockey Tom and trainer Michael jnr.
He rode 496 winners under rules including the 1959 Grand National on Oxo and the 1957 Cheltenham Gold Cup on Linwell.
His father Geoffrey was a point-to-point rider and trainer and Michael started riding in points at 14 years old.
In his career as a jockey he also won the 1956 King George VI Chase on Rose Park and the 1957 Welsh National with Creeola II.
Michael retired from riding in 1966 after a bad fall and became a trainer. His major wins included the 1974 Mackeson Gold Cup with Bruslee. In 2008 he handed over to grandson Michael.
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His grandsons yesterday paid tribute to him on Twitter.
“A huge thank you for everyone’s kind words. Our feelings at the moment are of huge pride. To have known him, spent time with him and listened to his wonderful stories and to have been able to call him Grandad,” said Michael.
Tom added: “He was the original and the best. I wish I was half the jockey and most importantly half the man. Respected and loved by all who knew him. ‘Keep a leg either side and keep on kicking.’ Michael Scudamore RIP.”
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A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.