Former top northern jockey Colin Hawkins dies at the age of 64

Rowland Meyrick Chase day at Wetherby was tinged with sadness as news emerged of the death of Colin Hawkins, who won the race three times.

The former leading northern jump jockey, best remembered for his association with trainer Neville Crump, died on Christmas Day at the age of 64.

His biggest wins included victories in the Scottish Grand National on Fighting Fit in 1979 and the Massey Ferguson Gold Cup in 1977 on Even Melody – a horse on whom he won 22 races.

Colin Hawkins won the Rowland Meyrick three timesCredit: David Carr

Hawkins, who was nicknamed 'Jack', took the Rowland Meyrick on Ballet Lord, Fortina's Express and Richdee in a career that spanned 21 years and yielded 378 winners.

Having worked as a postman in Middleham after retiring from race-riding in 1995, he had also been a part-time starter for the BHA.

"He was a hard man but a good fellow," said senior starter Robbie Supple. "You knew where you stood with him."

"It's very sad news," added trainer Chris Grant, a former jockey who rode against Hawkins for many years. "He was stable jockey to Neville Crump and rode a lot of good winners. He was as tough as teak and if the horse was good enough he was always good enough."

Trainer Nicky Richards said: "He rode a couple of winners for my father and he was a good jockey. He rode for Neville Crump and that shows what level he was because he didn't have average men riding for him."