Stan Mellor: street on old Manchester racecourse to be named after Salford jockey

A street at the new housing development being built on the former Manchester Racecourse will be named after a Salford-born jockey.

Record-breaking jump jockey Stan Mellor, who rode 33 winners at Manchester racecourse in Salford, grew up just minutes away from the Castle Irwell site.

Stan, who eventually settled in the South, died aged 83 last summer, having been diagnosed with prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s disease years earlier.

But calls to keep his memory alive at the former racecourse where hundreds of homes are currently under construction did not comply with council policy.

Salford council policy dictates that a decade must pass after any person dies before a street can take their name – so the request was rejected at first.

Pendleton and Charlestown councillor John Warmisham, who suggested the idea to Salford council, has said developer and landowner Salboy is on board.

And now the local authority has decided to waive its policy and allow a road to be named after the horseracing legend, describing it as a ‘unique opportunity’.

Stan’s widow Elain Mellor said his family was delighted to hear the news.

She said: “Stan had many successes at Manchester where he always enjoyed riding – not least because he would have huge support from the crowd cheering on the local lad made good.”

Stan Mellor, who rode 1,035 winners in his career, was the first jump jockey to reach 1,000– a record held for more than 12 years before it was finally beaten.

The record-breaking racer grew up around Devonshire Street, just minutes away from the racecourse, but left Salford aged 15 to start his racing career.

Stan moved to Cheshire, where he rode for the respected racehorse trainer George Owen, and so the Manchester Racecourse was still his local course.

Mellor rode his last winner at the Manchester Racecourse, Big Star, in October 1963, less than a month before the racecourse closed and was put up for sale.

After retiring from racing, Stan campaigned to improve safety in the sport.

What’s happening to the old racecourse?

The former racecourse is now being turned into a housing estate with up to 500 homes set to be built by Salboy, a firm owned by Betfred owner Fred Done, who also grew up nearby and opened his first betting shop metres away.

Coun Warmisham, a horseracing fan himself, said the decision to waive the policy means Stan Mellor’s name will live on at the Castle Irwell development.

He said: “He was born in Salford and is well remembered. He had many winners here as a jockey and a trainer.

“I’m pleased for his family that this will be a great tribute and lasting legacy to Stan.”

Labour councillor Mike McCusker, who is the lead member for planning and sustainable development at Salford council, confirmed the decision this week.

He said: “Our normal policy is not to name roads until a decade after people have passed away.

“As this is a unique opportunity, because of the location and timing, after considerable consultation with local councillors and senior council officers, we have decided to waive the policy on this occasion.

“Stan grew up close to the racecourse which inspired him to follow his dream of becoming a jockey.

“He worked hard and became an incredibly successful jockey and campaigned for safety improvements in his sport so it’s a fitting tribute to name a road in his honour.”