Galloping into 2017 with an MBE honour
Sam’s recognition for sterling work at city racecourse
Retired Perth Racecourse general manger Sam Morshead has received an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List.
Over 27 years, the one-time jump jockey with seven Grand National starts to his name, transformed the UK’s most northerly racecourse from a backwater to an irresistible magnet for owners, trainers, riders and punters.
He said: “I am overjoyed and just so excited. It is a fantastic honour and I am truly humbled by it all.
“I couldn’t believe it when I got the letter. I had to read it three times before it sank in.
“However, I do know that this honour is not all mine. It must be shared with my longtime chairman at Perth, David Whitaker, who sadly is no longer with us. But he will be enjoying this from above.
“And my simply brilliant team at Perth Racecourse share in this honour.
“Without their wonderful support over the years I would have achieved very little.”
Sam (61), who grew up near Dublin, now
My simply brilliant team at Perth Racecourse share in this honour . . .
Former Perth Racecourse general manager, Sam Morshead
lives in St Fillans.
He arrived in Scotland as a trainee clerk at Ayr Racecourse before moving on to Musselburgh, Kelso and then, in 1989, Perth. He was appointed general manager five years later.
His commitment to racing and racing welfare saw him honoured with the Pride of Racing’s Outstanding Contribution to Racing Award in 2013.