Richard started life in Malton in 1984 as conditional jockey to the great Jimmy Fitzgerald at Norton Grange stables. As a 7lb claimer he rode a Boxing Day double for his boss landing both divisions of the St Ivo Novices hurdle on Sister Claire and Weight Problem.
With a steady rise through the conditional ranks Richard became joint Conditional Champion Jockey in the 1988/89 season after steering home the Michael Chapman trained Wisconsin at Market Rasen in the last race of the season.
After losing his claim Richard continued to ride winners , notably Suivez Moi in the Coral Bookmakers handicap Hurdle at Fakenham and Eastern Guide in the Coral Golden Handicap Hurdle at Ayr.
Richard secured his most important success over fences in 1991 taking the Bobby Renton Memorial Novice Chase at Wetherby for father in law Peter Easterby on Icarus this was followed by two more wins on Icarus at Market Rasen .
Richard rode his final winner on the Peter Easterby trained Gymcrak Gamble in a Perth maiden hurdle
Finally retiring with over 100 winners under both codes Richard reflected he wasn’t quite good enough for the riding game but to ride over 100 winners is no mean feat
