William Palmer
William Palmer was going to be a great jockey. He stood on the threshold of a brilliant career. Experts agreed he was one of the best riders in England.
William Palmer was going to be a great jockey. He stood on the threshold of a brilliant career. Experts agreed he was one of the best riders in England.
Then tragedy struck.
Then tragedy struck.
Schooling a young horse over the fence at Epsom, the horse shied, throwing William heavily on his back. He lay motionless, his spine badly injured. He was carried home to his young wife.
Schooling a young horse over the fence at Epsom, the horse shied, throwing William heavily on his back. He lay motionless, his spine badly injured. He was carried home to his young wife.
For the next 25 years he lay a helpless invalid and for 25 years his wife seldom left his side.
For the next 25 years he lay a helpless invalid and for 25 years his wife seldom left his side.
Shortly after his accident, William moved from Epsom to 'The Maples', Durfold Hill, Warnham. Here he died in May, 1934, aged 63.
Shortly after his accident, William moved from Epsom to 'The Maples', Durfold Hill, Warnham. Here he died in May, 1934, aged 63.
William's first ride in public was on Robert Macaire at Four Oaks Park
William's first ride in public was on Robert Macaire at Four Oaks Park
The horse was trained at Hednesford by his father, the famous George Palmer, a great jockey in his day, and owned by the equally famous 'Squire' Abington.
The horse was trained at Hednesford by his father, the famous George Palmer, a great jockey in his day, and owned by the equally famous 'Squire' Abington.
Having served as an apprentice with his father, William rode both on the Flat and over hurdles for Epsom trainer Tom Sherwood. He rode Beautiwick in the Derby.
Having served as an apprentice with his father, William rode both on the Flat and over hurdles for Epsom trainer Tom Sherwood. He rode Beautiwick in the Derby.
Soon afterwards, William was engaged to ride in Russia and rode Smicke in the Russian Derby for M. Lazruff. He rode many winners in other important flat races there.
Soon afterwards, William was engaged to ride in Russia and rode Smicke in the Russian Derby for M. Lazruff. He rode many winners in other important flat races there.
Returning to England, William landed a substantial gamble on Postscript at Sandown Park. Its noted trainer 'Parson' Parkes said that the triumph of his horse was due to William's excellent riding.
Returning to England, William landed a substantial gamble on Postscript at Sandown Park. Its noted trainer 'Parson' Parkes said that the triumph of his horse was due to William's excellent riding.
William's funeral service, conducted by the Rev Farebrother, was held in Warnham.
William's funeral service, conducted by the Rev Farebrother, was held in Warnham.