Perth pays tribute to Morshead as Swingbridge lands Finale feature

Tributes were paid in the parade ring before the first race at Perth yesterday to former leading jump jockey and course manager Sam Morshead, who died on Tuesday after a long illness.

Current chief executive Hazel Peplinski said: “Sam’s legacy at Perth is all around us and every day we appreciate all that he achieved for the racecourse over his long and successful tenure.

“It is very sad news and first and foremost our thoughts are with his family and many friends. However it is of some comfort to the team that we are opening our gates today to so many people who will remember him fondly. We shall pull together and put on a good show as we pay tribute to Sam’s immeasurable contribution to Perth Racecourse and to Scottish racing.”

Morshead, who was 63 when he passed away, rode principally for the stable of Fred and Mercy Rimell during the 1970s and 80s. Just last year, he received an MBE for services to horse racing.

On the track, Swingbridge and Rightdownthemiddle led home a one-two for Gordon Elliott in the £30,000 David Whitaker Handicap Chase.

Orioninverness, carrying the colours of the 90-strong Tay Valley Chasers Racing Club and trained by Lucinda Russell, was ridden to a popular victory in the JMIFA Handicap Chase by Stephen Mulqueen.

Today, Jet Master bids to extend his stranglehold on the race named after him on the second and last day of Perth’s Glorious Finale fixture.

Nickalexander’sgelding,ridden by the trainer’s daughter Lucy, is one of 11 declared for the Bet With Dewhurst Bookmakers Jet Master Handicap Hurdle, an event he has won for the past three years.

Kinneston-based Alexander said: “It’s a competitive race but hopefully he will run well again.”