Elliott, R. P.

Tom Masson once described Bobby as "a boy in a million - 99lbs of sheer horse riding genius."

Bobby (R.P.) Elliott rode the very last winner at Lewes before its closure in September, 1964. By coincidence, on August 18, 1958, the then 17-year-old apprentice rode his first ever winner, Dante's Inferno at the same course.

Bobby, champion apprentice in 1959 with 27 winners and again in 1960 with 39, rode over 1,000 winners in his career and came closest to winning a classic

when finishing third on Petite Gina in the 1964 1,000 Guineas.

He also won the Royal Hunt Cup in 1960 on Small Slam.

Bobby rode winners in America and Hong Kong and rode Brigadier Gerard in most of his work in 1971. 

With his riding days behind him, he became assistant to Mark Johnston at Middleham then, later, a trainer in his own right at a purpose-built complex in Formby, Merseyside.

Bobby lived at 20, Market Place, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, and, on November 27, 1984, married Andrea Denise. She gave him one daughter, Trudy, and a son, Charles.

He rode in Hong Kong from 1971 to 1977 then rode in America from 1977 to 1981.

Bobby enjoyed a round of golf and water skiing.

His son, Andrew, born 15 May, 1987, also became a jockey.

Bobby's older brother, Denis, emigrated to Canada halfway through his apprenticeship.