The Riders - B

Steve Baker:  Young Aussie Steve Baker came to the UK courtesy of a connection with Dukes' announcer Doug Adams, and became a core part of the team from 1981-1984.  He managed to achieve the necessary 6 point average to return each year, progressing from reserve to heat leader in 83, albeit in a weak team, and 1983 also saw him win the European Under 21 title. 1984 saw him hit his only full maximum for the Dukes against Wimbledon, but a reduced average saw him surplus to requirements for 1985.  He spent 85 having frustrating spells at Sheffield and King's Lynn before returning home.  His best season internationally came the following year when he made it all the way to the Intercontinental Final, ironically up the road from Halifax at Odsal.

Eric Boocock:  One of the greatest British riders of all time, Boocock enjoyed a stellar 10 year career with the Dukes, famously being part of the all-conquering League and Cup double-winning side of 1966.  His 1965 average of 9.43 was the lowest of his career!  8 British Finals, including a win in his last final in 1974, and 3 World Final appearances do little to illustrate the importance of Boocock to the sport.  He retired from racing at the end of his testimonial season in 1974 and turned to management, famously looking after Belle Vue, and the England National team, with varying degrees of success.  Boocock was tempted back into racing for the Dukes in 1983, but the venture proved short-lived.  After finally retiring from the saddle, Boocock returned to management, notably with the Bradford Dukes, and was the joint England manager as the Lions won the WTC at Odsal in 1989.

Eric Boothroyd:  Born in 1927, Boothroyd was a veteran of 16 seasons before he joined the Dukes for the initial British League season in 1965, having been tempted out of possible retirement.  He rode for his home-town club for 4 seasons, scoring in excess of 1300 points, and famously captaining the Dukes to the League and Cup double in 1966.  Finally retired after the 1968 season, after his average dipped below 8 points a match!  Following his retirement from racing, Boothroyd became co-promoter of the Dukes, a position he held through the eventual move to Odsal in 1986, although he ultimately handed over the reigns to Allan and Bobby Ham.  Was also the Dukes' team manager on numerous occasions, taking on the role permanently in 1984 when Dennis Gavros stepped down from the position. His ability as track-curator was renowned, and he prepared arguably the greatest racing surface ever seen for the Odsal World Final in 1990.  Eric died in August 2022, aged 95.

Eric Broadbelt:  Lancastrian Broadbelt was a veteran of 11 seasons, notably with Belle Vue and Poole, when he joined the Dukes for the 1978 season.  A solid 7/8 point rider during his years with the Aces and the Pirates, Broadbelt's form fluctuated with Halifax, partly due to a series of niggling injuries, and his inability to get to grips with The Shay track on a regular basis - although he won the World Championship/Grand Prix round at The Shay.  After his average dipped below 6 points a match, Broadbelt moved onto Sheffield for the 1980 season, and qualified for his first and only British Final whilst with the Tigers in 1981.  The 1980s were punctuated by further injuries however, and he rode only a number of meetings after 1982 for several clubs before retiring after the 1986 season, after a number of rides for Long Eaton.