Robert Pringle

Robert Pringle

Article by Alan Trout

Although less successful than his brother Archie, Robert Pringle nonetheless rode ten winners under National Hunt rules between 1907 and 1913. 

Born in 1882, the son of Scottish trainer James Pringle, he had his first win when driving the eight-year-old Father Caresser to a three-length victory in the St Wilfrid’s Handicap Chase at Hexham on October 9, 1907. 

Robert managed three wins the following year, then four in 1909, including William’s Hill in the first race at Dumfriesshire Hunt, at which brother Archie completed a treble on the same card. 

Robert failed to register a success between 1910 and 1912 but resumed winning ways at Perth on September 25, 1913, when Water Lily II was a comfortable 20-length winner of the St. Johnstone Selling Chase. Although the mare was sold after the race, her new owner elected to run her again the following afternoon at the same course. Robert kept the ride and won the Stewards’ Selling Handicap Chase, though this time the winning margin was down to five lengths. Later that afternoon, Robert had his final ride when Norton was a faller in the Glenearn Selling Handicap Hurdle. 

Robert Pringle’s winners were, in chronological order.

1. Father Caresser, Hexham, October 9, 1907

2. Father Caresser, Dumfriesshire Hunt, April 11, 1908

3. Thornham, Cartmel, June 8, 1908

4. Insolvent, Bogside, October 29, 1908

5. William’s Hill, Shincliffe, March 17, 1909

6. William’s Hill, Dumfriesshire Hunt, April 3, 1909

7. Milo, Carlisle, April 12, 1909

8. William’s Hill, Hexham, October 6, 1909

9. Water Lily II, Perth, September 20, 1913

10. Water Lily II, Perth, September 21, 1913