Racing mourns loss of Monica Dickinson

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, and wife of trainer Tony, Mrs Dickinson passed away on Tuesday morning.

An integral part of the team, she took over the training licence when Michael moved to train 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.

Fellow Yorkshire trainer Peter Easterby paid tribute to her fighting spirit.

“She was a wonderful woman and an extremely dedicated lady,” he said.

“She was an incredible professional and loved a competition.

“We had some right battles over the years and she was always so tough to beat.

“It’s a real shame and she’ll be sadly missed.”

Graham Bradley learned his trade at the Dickinson yard and spent a memorable 10 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 10 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 boss (Tony) used to do all the buying, Monica used to do all the feeding and Michael did the training – they were a great team.

“She was brilliant with all the horses and all the lads. She was tough but she was fair and she was genuine. But she wouldn’t have let the Queen Mother into the yard after the shutters had gone down for afternoon feed!

“She had a heart of gold and she will be really sadly missed. She was getting on a bit and she was poorly at the end, but she’s back with the boss now.”

Sir Peter O’Sullevan, the ’Voice of Racing’, paid his tribute.

He said: “Monica was a stalwart and a driving force in one of the most efficient National Hunt racing production teams in the last half-century.

“As well as being extremely successful, Monica and Tony were immensely popular both within and beyond the confines of their sport.

“It goes without saying that as well as nurturing outstanding horses they produced one of the top all-rounders in the sport in their son Michael.

“Monica will always be remembered as a forthright and exceptionally knowledgeable contributor to the jumping game, and by me with admiration and affection.”

John Francome rode a number of big-race winners for the family and has fond memories of his association with Mrs Dickinson.

“She was just a lovely lady, she always had a twinkle in her eye,” he said.

“She was a proper horsewoman, a great point-to-point rider and showjumper, and always wanted her horses to enjoy themselves.

“She was just a nice lady and always as bright as a button. I had some great times with the family.”