Happy Worker details

Happy Worker was by Workboy, who was a multiple winner for the yard before going on to stand as a stallion.

Happy Worker made his debut on the flat at York in 1977 but he did not make the frame in either of his first two flat seasons. In 1978 he made his hurdles debut at Market Rasen and again failed to win in his first two seasons over jumps.

His first victory came at Beverley in the Etton Handicap Stakes in 1979 when Terry Lucas rode him to victory over two miles. He followed up at edinburgh and then later the same season won back at Beverley over a 2m 3f trip. In 1980 he won at Redcar before switching back to hurdles.

In November 1980 Happy Worker won at Wetherby and Market Rasen, the latter victory over three miles in novice hurdle company. The following month he fell when bidding for a hat-trick back at Wetherby. Luckily caught very quickly!" Brian Bivens, who had taken the horse to the races that day, recalls the day. "When he fell at Wetherby in his last race for the yard he got loose and escaped onto the A1 and caused a big traffic jam until he was caught."

Happy Worker left the yard in 1981, and went to be trained by John Mason. John had a string of fruit and veg shops and had horses with both Mick and Peter Easterby. Happy Worker returned to the yard in 1984 and won three chases in a row before retiring.

In his retirement Happy Worker was looked after by Alan Brisby, a farmer at Whenby just a few miles from Sheriff Hutton. Alan's son Simon rode out a bit for Mick Easterby and used to Point to Point.

The horse finished his days off on the farm. Brian Bivens, who had looked after Happy Worker in his racing days used to go and see his old friend often and spend hours in the field with him before he died.

He was a great horse a lot like B and K Emperor. He used to lead the young horses and he was good for the young kids who had just started to learn to ride, although he knew what he was doing and used to take the mickey out of them a bit!

Thanks to Brian Bivens for the story.