Bill Prioleau
1900-1980
1900-1980
Born on March 8, 1900, Reginald Anthony Prioleau – more familiarly known as Bill Prioleau – rode a total of 36 winners under National Hunt rules.
Born on March 8, 1900, Reginald Anthony Prioleau – more familiarly known as Bill Prioleau – rode a total of 36 winners under National Hunt rules.
He began as an amateur and made the perfect start to his race-riding career by winning on his first mount, a horse named Black Heart in the Chudleigh Optional Selling Hurdle at Devon & Exeter on August 31, 1922.
He began as an amateur and made the perfect start to his race-riding career by winning on his first mount, a horse named Black Heart in the Chudleigh Optional Selling Hurdle at Devon & Exeter on August 31, 1922.
In 1923 he rode Valentine VI to win the Newent Selling Handicap Chase at Cheltenham’s National Hunt meeting, his sole ‘Festival’ success.
In 1923 he rode Valentine VI to win the Newent Selling Handicap Chase at Cheltenham’s National Hunt meeting, his sole ‘Festival’ success.
Bill turned professional in March 1924 and recorded his most successful year with a score of 14 winners. Three of those came courtesy of the seven-year-old Hymir, most notably in the Spring Chase at Newbury in February and the Jerry M Chase at Lingfield in March.
Bill turned professional in March 1924 and recorded his most successful year with a score of 14 winners. Three of those came courtesy of the seven-year-old Hymir, most notably in the Spring Chase at Newbury in February and the Jerry M Chase at Lingfield in March.
He had one ride in the Grand National, being unluckily brought down on 66-1 chance Mainsail in a melee at the Canal Turn on the first circuit. He was unlucky again the following day when he finished second, beaten a length and a half, on Darracq in the Champion Chase, his mount swerving on the run-in and handing what looked like certain victory to Bright’s Boy.
He had one ride in the Grand National, being unluckily brought down on 66-1 chance Mainsail in a melee at the Canal Turn on the first circuit. He was unlucky again the following day when he finished second, beaten a length and a half, on Darracq in the Champion Chase, his mount swerving on the run-in and handing what looked like certain victory to Bright’s Boy.
He rode his last winner on Greek Runner, the evens favourite, in the Waterloo Open Selling Handicap Chase at Huntingdon on Easter Monday, April 5, 1926.
He rode his last winner on Greek Runner, the evens favourite, in the Waterloo Open Selling Handicap Chase at Huntingdon on Easter Monday, April 5, 1926.
However, it was a further six years before he rode for the final time, finishing eighth of eleven on Ormuzd in the Boxgrove Selling Handicap Hurdle at Fontwell Park on April 25, 1932.
However, it was a further six years before he rode for the final time, finishing eighth of eleven on Ormuzd in the Boxgrove Selling Handicap Hurdle at Fontwell Park on April 25, 1932.
Bill Prioleau died on January 20, 1980, aged 79.
Bill Prioleau died on January 20, 1980, aged 79.