A few not606 members will be familiar with this former national hunt jockey who passed away aged 83. "The three-time champion jockey was one of the few riders to triumph in a race against Arkle. Mellor guided Stalbridge Colonist to victory against the legendary Irish racehorse in the 1966 Hennessy Gold Cup. He had a successful training career and saddled both Royal Mail (1980) and Lean Ar Aghaidh (1987) to win the Whitbread Gold Cup." https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/53619971
One of the greats from a golden period. Also a fine man with a wonderful wife who was probably an even better jockey.
I thought he was older than that. When I was young I always looked out for his rides. He had an unusual riding style but it worked. Great Jockey RIP
Remember him well, could ride at a very light weight in NH racing. Great jockey and a fine man. R.I.P. Stan
Stalbridge Colonist- ran 15 times in the season before he won the Hennessy, winning 11 races including 6 chases within 6 weeks. I wonder what Stan Mellor would have said if his trainer intended just one more prep. race after the Hennessy before going to Cheltenham! I'll bet he's smiling from up above. My prevailing memory of Stan was watching him ride a typically power packed finish to win on a horse called Flower Picker for Fulke Walwyn. A tremendous credit and advert for the sport. RIP, Stan.