JUSTIN STICKS LIKE GLUE

21-09-2009

Many of us have hair-raising experiences in the saddle but few would live up to Justin Morgan’s when he took stickability to a new level after his saddle slipped during the final leg of a 3 mile handicap hurdle at Exeter on 15th April 2003.  He managed to stay aboard the now bareback Richard Gad-owned BIG QUICK – riding the last fence rodeo-style to clinch a first win for rider, owner and horse.

Justin stylishly flew over the penultimate fence in a leapfrog position with both feet above the withers of his mount.  On landing, his saddle disappeared from underneath him and a side-door exit seemed inevitable but he was pushed back into place by Big Quick’s off-foreleg.Initially cruising 6 lengths clear of the field, the duo were able to maintain their lead minus the saddle and sailed past the post 2 lengths clear.  Fortunately for Justin, he was riding without a weight cloth.  Had he been using one and it had fallen from under the saddle, obviously he would have lost the race.

Although Justin admitted he was “singing the soprano” after an uncomfortable bounce home, the ride that broke his duck was a “tear-jerking moment” for more reasons than one.  He continued as an amateur for several years including being Great Britain’s Fegentri representative in 2005 before retiring from the saddle in 2007.