Noel Russell - Stud and Stable Handbook
Introduction to the Author
My name is Noel Russell and I am named after my father Noel Russell as his son and heir. My grandad Augustus Russell insisted so at the christening.
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Born in Kingston Jamaica, lived in Old Harbour, a seaside town, with a racetrack called "Little Ascot Marley"
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I arrived in England after being sent for by my parents in 1963 and came to Balham.
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At 11 this was the first time I had met my father, face to face. The next day , after I arrived, my dad told took me to Balham School for interview to enrol.
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This was 60 years ago.
Left to Right
Noel Russell, Lester Piggott, Lord Weinstock
Lester Piggott was amazed when we showed him "Whistle On By" was rated 58lbs behind the great "Frankle" - Bred by Lord Weinstock of Juddmonte Stud Farm
My Story
I must be one of the most rejected persons that has ever been born.
Rejection is a killer because how can an 11 year old boy who was sent for by his parents, who has done everything right , passed all my 11+ exams, won a full scholarship to St Jago, and joined my parents on the 11th July in 1963, be outcasted and end up rejected by the State for 56 years.
When I landed, I was meet and greeted by my earthly father, Noel Russell, for the first time. Through his had work he had bought and prepared our family home for us.
I had come with hope and aspirations, to this great country and to help my mom and dad. My dream was to be the countries first black jockey.
Back in Jamaica, I had come from a Catholic private school, run by Miss Hall, one of Jamaica's finest teachers, who had put me forward for my exams which I passed with a full scholarship to go to St Jago. After school I used to go to the race track and do evening stables with ex champion jockey Neveill Cousley.
My parents heard in England that I was mixing with the wrong crowd, thinking that people in racing were no good and it was all about gambling. Because of this they had sent for me, but the passion to work with horses had already taken root.
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Balham Secondary School for Boys
Report for the Term Ending 1967
From 11+ Education to West Oxfordshire Technical College
This report card is when I came to England in 1963. After my first year my English Teacher, Mr Farrow, asked my class "What do you wanna be when you leave school?"
I said "I want to be a Jockey", the class laughed and Mr Farrow said "Russell, I don't know how you are going to achieve that. Maybe you could write to the Queen and ask her?"
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I did. And the Queen replied.
Lord Lyons, Her Late Majesty Privy Councillor, despatched her letter of recommendation for an apprenticeship with Mr Ron Smyth at Clare Heights Epson.
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The Queens letter was read out at assembly by the Head Master, Mr Saville.
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