Former champion jump jockey dies

Lambourn's Jack Dowdeswell died on Saturday morning following a fall at his home

FORMER champion jump jockey Jack Dowdeswell has died, aged 94.

He passed away in West Berkshire Community Hospital, Thatcham, in the early hours of Saturday following a fall at his Lambourn home during the week.

Mr Dowdeswell (pictured with his wife Betty last year) rode his first winner, Bob, at Newbury Racecourse when he was 15, before finishing his five-year apprenticeship and moving to Captain Bay Powell's yard at Aldbourne.

Following a stint in the army, he resumed his racing career in 1946, becoming champion jockey for the season.

He continued to race until about 1956 and was schooling horses with jockey John Francome past the age of 70.

Until his death he was the country's oldest living champion jockey.

He is survived by his wife Betty, to whom he was married for 71 years, daughter Liz Beard, son Michael, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

For more details, see this week's Newbury Weekly News.