Billy Platt
1853 - 1901
1853 - 1901
Born in Stoke-on-Trent on Feb 12,1853, Billy Platt was the head lad at the famous Ashgill stables, home of the Osbornes.
Born in Stoke-on-Trent on Feb 12,1853, Billy Platt was the head lad at the famous Ashgill stables, home of the Osbornes.
Mr Foy owned a horse called Scot Free, which ex-jockey Tom Chaloner trained for him. When Mr Foy announced his intention of getting Billy to ride it in the Two Thousand Guineas, his friends scoffed and told him that he was throwing away his chance by engaging a jockey who, they claimed, was no more than a ‘Butcher Boy’ on a horse.
Mr Foy owned a horse called Scot Free, which ex-jockey Tom Chaloner trained for him. When Mr Foy announced his intention of getting Billy to ride it in the Two Thousand Guineas, his friends scoffed and told him that he was throwing away his chance by engaging a jockey who, they claimed, was no more than a ‘Butcher Boy’ on a horse.
Mr Foy replied that ‘if there was any fine riding to be done, it will not be done at the finish; it will be a long way from home.’
Mr Foy replied that ‘if there was any fine riding to be done, it will not be done at the finish; it will be a long way from home.’
He added ‘if Platt is a Butcher Boy, I have told him to ride a Butcher Boy’s race. I have told him to look at every post as if it were the one he had to finish at. Archer and Cannon will have to bring out all their flash riding in going after him.’
He added ‘if Platt is a Butcher Boy, I have told him to ride a Butcher Boy’s race. I have told him to look at every post as if it were the one he had to finish at. Archer and Cannon will have to bring out all their flash riding in going after him.’
Billy rode Scot Free exactly as ordered and won going away by five lengths.
Billy rode Scot Free exactly as ordered and won going away by five lengths.
John Osborne remarked later ‘there is no jockey riding that could give Billy three pounds. I’ve known him to win on horses that some of the crack jockeys have failed on.’
John Osborne remarked later ‘there is no jockey riding that could give Billy three pounds. I’ve known him to win on horses that some of the crack jockeys have failed on.’
For many years Billy Platt was associated with the Osbornes and he and John Osborne often found themselves lining up together for some race. On 5th August, at Richmond, Billy was on board Mr Gladstone’s Endowment, trained at Ashgill. John was on the odds-on (1/2) Greg. In a great finish, the servant beat the master, Billy winning by a neck.
For many years Billy Platt was associated with the Osbornes and he and John Osborne often found themselves lining up together for some race. On 5th August, at Richmond, Billy was on board Mr Gladstone’s Endowment, trained at Ashgill. John was on the odds-on (1/2) Greg. In a great finish, the servant beat the master, Billy winning by a neck.
Billy won two Northumberland Plates: on Victor Emanuel in 1882 and on the mare Stone Clink in 1886.
Billy won two Northumberland Plates: on Victor Emanuel in 1882 and on the mare Stone Clink in 1886.
Poor George Fordham, then in fast failing health, was on the Heath the afternoon, but he was too ill to wait and see Scott Free win. Indeed, it had been an effort to get him to the course at all.
Poor George Fordham, then in fast failing health, was on the Heath the afternoon, but he was too ill to wait and see Scott Free win. Indeed, it had been an effort to get him to the course at all.
Ill as he was, he had made an attempt to oblige his old friend, Mr Foy, and ride Scott Free, but it was useless. George told Mr Foy that he would only impair the colt’s chances if he attempted the ride. He was so weak that he was not certain, he said, of keeping his seat in the saddle.
Ill as he was, he had made an attempt to oblige his old friend, Mr Foy, and ride Scott Free, but it was useless. George told Mr Foy that he would only impair the colt’s chances if he attempted the ride. He was so weak that he was not certain, he said, of keeping his seat in the saddle.
Billy Platt died at Maryborough, Ireland, in December, 1901, aged 48. His son, James William Platt (1882 -1928) was also a jockey and later a trainer. Billy's brother George Platt (c1852 - 1930) was a jockey too.
Billy Platt died at Maryborough, Ireland, in December, 1901, aged 48. His son, James William Platt (1882 -1928) was also a jockey and later a trainer. Billy's brother George Platt (c1852 - 1930) was a jockey too.