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1906-1992
Billy was born in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Chorley, Lancashire on March 26, 1906 and, aged 14, served his time with Dobson Peacock at Middleham from 1920. He remained with the Peacock Stables through three generations.
He was the son of a stableman who worked for trainer Harry Hall at Middleham. One of a family of eleven, his father later went blind.
In 1948, he bought Patrick Brompton Hall for around £20,000 and opened it to the public. He was then known as 'the Squire'.
Having sold it in 1957, he turned to training at Ripon, but this was unsuccessful and he retired.
Billy had a formidable big race record including three Derby wins; Owen Tudor (1941), Ocean Swell (1944) & Dante (1945). He also won the Oaks in 1948 on Masaka.
He won his 1,000th race in 1940 on Thixendale at Thirsk.
He served as a private in the R.A.O.C. during the war.
Billy's first winner was Stockwood at Carlisle on July 2, 1924
His last winner came on Setting Star at Manchester in the last race of the 1956 season.
Standing just 4ft 11ins, he rode a total of 2,068 winners.
Billy died at Northallerton on May 9, 1992, aged 86.
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