Steve Perks
1955 -2004
1955 -2004
Photo courtesy of Chris Pitt
Photo courtesy of Chris Pitt
Stephen James Perks was born in Walsall, West Midlands on Jan 1, 1955 and, whilst still an apprentice to Reg Hollinshead, rode Loudoun Gale (for trainer Bill Watts) to victory in the 1972 William Hill Gold Cup.
Stephen James Perks was born in Walsall, West Midlands on Jan 1, 1955 and, whilst still an apprentice to Reg Hollinshead, rode Loudoun Gale (for trainer Bill Watts) to victory in the 1972 William Hill Gold Cup.
His first win had come on Caernarvon Prince at Beverley on June 9, 1971; two years later he was champion apprentice with 41 winners.
His first win had come on Caernarvon Prince at Beverley on June 9, 1971; two years later he was champion apprentice with 41 winners.
Numerically, his best season was 1972 with 45 winners.
Numerically, his best season was 1972 with 45 winners.
He left Hollinshead in 1974 and worked for a number of trainers including Ernie Weymes, Monty Stephens (where he rode that wonderful sprinter Vilgora) and Peter Asquith before returning to Hollinshead as stable jockey in 1981 on the departure of Walter Swinburn (who moved to Michael Stoute's).
He left Hollinshead in 1974 and worked for a number of trainers including Ernie Weymes, Monty Stephens (where he rode that wonderful sprinter Vilgora) and Peter Asquith before returning to Hollinshead as stable jockey in 1981 on the departure of Walter Swinburn (who moved to Michael Stoute's).
On May 31, 1987, he was interviewed by the Jockey Club's Security Services over his claims that he was asked for 500 pounds by fellow jockey Jimmy Bleasdale before a Stewards' inquiry at Newmarket the previous Saturday. Bleasdale said that for that amount he would stick up for Perks at the inquiry.
On May 31, 1987, he was interviewed by the Jockey Club's Security Services over his claims that he was asked for 500 pounds by fellow jockey Jimmy Bleasdale before a Stewards' inquiry at Newmarket the previous Saturday. Bleasdale said that for that amount he would stick up for Perks at the inquiry.
Bleasdale denied this and nothing came of the allegation.
Bleasdale denied this and nothing came of the allegation.
Steve Perks rode a total of around 600 winners. He retired from the saddle and bought a Chinese Takeaway business.
Steve Perks rode a total of around 600 winners. He retired from the saddle and bought a Chinese Takeaway business.
On November 10, 1973, Steve married Anne; they a daughter, Beverley, and a son, Wesley.
On November 10, 1973, Steve married Anne; they a daughter, Beverley, and a son, Wesley.
As a result of a fall, Steve Perks died on 8 April 2009, aged 54.
As a result of a fall, Steve Perks died on 8 April 2009, aged 54.
He left a daughter, Beverley, and three grandchildren.
He left a daughter, Beverley, and three grandchildren.
He was cremated at Stafford Crematorium on Tuesday April 28, 2009. Representing the weighing-room, among well over 100 mourners, were Mark Birch, Lindsay Charnock, Dale Gibson, John Lowe and Alan Munro, while Nicky Carlisle, Tony Culhane, Kevin Darley, Tony Garth, Rodney Lappin and Paul Quinn were all graduates of Reg Hollinshead's apprentice academy where Perks, who rode more than 600 winners, also learned his trade.
He was cremated at Stafford Crematorium on Tuesday April 28, 2009. Representing the weighing-room, among well over 100 mourners, were Mark Birch, Lindsay Charnock, Dale Gibson, John Lowe and Alan Munro, while Nicky Carlisle, Tony Culhane, Kevin Darley, Tony Garth, Rodney Lappin and Paul Quinn were all graduates of Reg Hollinshead's apprentice academy where Perks, who rode more than 600 winners, also learned his trade.
Trainers Brian Baugh and Richard Whitaker also attended, along with Hollinshead's son, Andrew, and agent Paul Grundy.
Trainers Brian Baugh and Richard Whitaker also attended, along with Hollinshead's son, Andrew, and agent Paul Grundy.
His interests were golf, greyhound racing and playing cards.
His interests were golf, greyhound racing and playing cards.
Big winners:
Big winners:
1972: William Hill Gold Cup – Loudon Gale
1972: William Hill Gold Cup – Loudon Gale
1972: Great St Wilfrid Handicap – Spanish Gold
1972: Great St Wilfrid Handicap – Spanish Gold
1977: Temple Stakes – Vigora
1977: Temple Stakes – Vigora
1984: Thirsk Hunt Cup – Romosa
1984: Thirsk Hunt Cup – Romosa
