Terry Biddlecombe passes away Three-time champion jump jockey Terry Biddlecombe has died after a lengthy illness at the age of 72. A familiar figure in National Hunt racing for over 50 years, Biddlecombe was a leading light of the 'cavalier' generation of jump jockeys and among his big-race victories was the Cheltenham Gold Cup success of Woodland Venture in 1967. In later years he was one half of racing's much-loved 'odd couple' as the husband of trainer Henrietta Knight, and he shared in the success of the legendary Best Mate, winner of the Gold Cup on three occasions. Biddlecombe won the jump jockeys' title in 1965 and 1966 and shared the honours with Bob Davies in 1969. He also went close to winning the Grand National when Gay Trip was second in 1972. The former champion married Henrietta Knight in 1995 and together they enjoyed fantastic success with the likes of Edredon Bleu, Lord Noelie and Impek, but they will forever be remembered for their association with Best Mate. The top jumper's exploits brought the pair very much into the public eye and though former schoolteacher Knight and the ex-alcoholic Biddlecombe may not have appeared a match made in heaven, their enduring partnership was an unqualified success both on and off the track. Knight quit the training ranks in May, 2012, to help look after her husband, and the horses in her care moved on to Mick Channon's yard, where she still plays an active part in the training of the jumpers. The news was confirmed on Knight's Facebook page with a notification reading: "Sadly, Terry died peacefully after breakfast this morning with Henrietta by his side." Bob Davies, who went on to become clerk of the course and manager at Ludlow, looked backed fondly on the time spent with his former weighing-room colleague. He said: "We shared the title in 1968-69 and I think Terry was second to me the following season. When we shared the title, in the second half of the season I stayed with Terry most of the time, so we usually went racing together. The season went on into June that year because of foot and mouth disease and I remember it finished on a night at Uttoxeter. "After the season finished we went on holiday together and had a great time. We had some great times together."
