Ex-jockey celebrated first treble when 61

Godfrey Maundrell’s achievement came after 40 years of riding in point-to-point races

TRIBUTES have been paid to a former jockey and trainer who celebrated his first treble at the age of 61.

Godfrey Maundrell achieved the feat at Larkhill in 2010, crossing the line in front on Maglinn River, Spiders Nephew and Lisadell King – after 40 years of riding in point-topoints.

He notched his 150th winner a year later and continued in the saddle despite battling a serious illness.

In his thirties he was beaten in a point-to-point by future champion Richard Dunwoody, riding a horse trained by Henrietta Knight.

The duo went on to win four Gold Cups and six King Georges between them.

Mr Maundrell died peacefully at home on Sunday at the age of 70.

Gloucestershire rider Zac Baker took over on his horses when he retired from race-riding and said: “Godfrey was a proper gent who will be sorely missed. He was still riding when I started, but when he packed up I managed to get a ride on one of his horses.

“My first winner for him came on Arthurian Legend (in 2014) and we went on to land six races unbeaten that season. Later that year I rode Tambura in a bumper at Ffos Las and she won at 66/1 – she’s a quirky mare, but I’ve now won seven races on her.

“I always thought of Godfrey as a very wise man, and because he rode, bred and trained so many winners he knew the game inside out.

“I’ll always be very fond of him, and it would be wonderful to ride more winners in his colours. Paul Thompson, who did much of the training while Godfrey worked on the farm, has Tambura to run under Rules and a handful of pointers so I’m hoping his name will be associated with more winners in the coming months.”

Maundrell, an arable and dairy farmer, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 47.

Complications arising from surgery and other treatments led to his death.

His widow, Angie, speaking from their home near the village of Ogbourne St Andrew, Wiltshire, said: “When he was first struck down with cancer he was back riding out as soon as possible, and from that point on he was determined to achieve as much as he could for as long as could. He said, ‘I have nothing to lose, now’. Everyone admired him for coming back.”

She added: “To ride his first treble at Larkhill, which was his favourite track, was a wonderful occasion.

“When he gave up riding he found it very difficult to watch other riders on his horses, and was not a fan of jockeys with just their toes in the stirrups, but then Zac Baker came along and did him proud – they formed a wonderful bond.”

Maundrell, who lost his sister in a riding accident in 2016, had a stepson, Charlie.

Godfrey Maundrell celebrates his 150th winner