29/10/2026
Remembering SPINDRIFTER whom George rode to an amazing amount of victories in 1980, and the Lodge next to the gallops is named in his honour . Here is his story….…
Spindrifter by Sandford Lad out of Late Spring was an absolute legend of British Flat racing, so much of his remarkable story unfolded on northern racecourses, including Catterick, Pontefract and Redcar. He was trained by Sir Mark Prescott,
owned by Graeme Waters, bred by Joe Crowley and ridden by George in 19 of his 21 starts, winning 13 of them.
As a two-year-old, Spindrifter achieved something almost unimaginable. 13 wins from 19 starts, equalling the 20th-century record for a two-year-old at the time.
10 consecutive victories during the season.
Finished second five times.
Only once finished outside the first two.
His 13 victories included four at Catterick, three at Pontefract, two each at Hamilton and Redcar, and one each at Thirsk and Leicester.
On 18 October 1980, he won the Otley Stakes at Catterick, equalling the record set by Nagwa in 1975. 
In typical Sir Mark Prescott style he spotted an opportunity in the racing programme. Certain races carried relatively small penalties for horses that had already won several low-value races. Rather than aiming Spindrifter at one prestigious race, Prescott asked his owner whether he'd prefer one big victory or lots of wins. Graeme Waters chose lots of wins!
Spindrifter became a public favourite, and his achievements helped establish Prescott's reputation as a master of placing horses. 
Pontefract Racecourse commemorated him with the Spindrifter Stakes, and his owner donated a perpetual trophy in his memory. Do you have memories of watching George on this amazing horse? We’d love to read them here….
