MONICA Dickinson, matriarch of the legendary Yorkshire-based racing family, has died aged 83.
Mother of Michael, who sent out the first five home in the 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup, and wife of trainer Tony, Mrs Dickinson passed away yesterday morning.
An integral part of the team, she took over the training licence when Michael moved to tra
in for Robert Sangster at Manton in 1984.
Mrs Dickinson subsequently saddled Browne’s Gazette to win the Christmas Hurdle, before sending out Badsworth Boy for the last of his three Queen Mother Champion Chase victories in 1985.
Among other notable horses, Mrs Dickinson also handled 1985 King George VI Chase winner Wayward Lad and 1985 Whitbread victor By The Way.
Graham Bradley learned his trade at the Dickinson yard and spent a memorable ten years there.
“It’s a sad day. She was a remarkable lady, a wonderful human being and it was a privilege to have been part of her life,” said Bradley.
“I was lucky enough to have been there for over ten years and I rode winners for Tony, Monica and Michael.
“I won the King George on Wayward Lad for her and that was one of my best days in racing.
“He was such a wonderful ride, Wayward Lad, and Mrs D used to ride him out at home so it was a special day.”
The full article contains 232 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
