Longtime steeplechase trainer Ridgely White died Monday,Nov. 2 at 82. Based near Middleburg, Va., White trained for Paul Mellon’s famedRokeby Stable for many years, and also picked up major victories for otherclients including a Colonial Cup win with Sailor’s Clue in 1980.
White’s success for Rokeby came with major timber horsesMongogo and Chapel Street (who won back-to-back runnings of the Virginia GoldCup in 1974 and 1975). Another timber star, Leeds Don, won three consecutiveGold Cups for White and owner Zeke Ferguson. Leeds Don won the NSA timberchampionship in 1965 and 1966.
In 1980, Sailor’s Clue outran Irish invader Corrib Chieftainand 1979 champion Martie’s Anger to capture the Colonial Cup for White andowner Rodion Cantacuzene. Current trainer Doug Fout rode the winner, one ofjust five 4-year-olds to capture the classic, who scored by a nose.
White just missed winning the 1973 Colonial Cup whenRokeby’s Dream Magic finished third in a three-way photo behind Lucky Boy andSoothsayer. White’s last NSA runner came in 2002.
There will be a graveside service Wednesday, Nov. 11 atSharon Cemetery in Middleburg at 1 p.m. with a reception to follow at theEmmanuel Episcopal Church in Middleburg.
