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Robert Bertram Davies, born on 14 May 1946, was an exceptionally gifted rider who, in the closest of finishes, won the 1978 Grand National on Lucius - the very first time he had ever sat on the horse.
Robert Bertram Davies, born on 14 May 1946, was an exceptionally gifted rider who, in the closest of finishes, won the 1978 Grand National on Lucius - the very first time he had ever sat on the horse.
When Lucius' regular partner, David Goulding, injured his back at Wetherby a week before the race, trainer Gordon Richards lost no time in contacting Bob Davies, who proved to be a worthy substitute for the unlucky Goulding.
When Lucius' regular partner, David Goulding, injured his back at Wetherby a week before the race, trainer Gordon Richards lost no time in contacting Bob Davies, who proved to be a worthy substitute for the unlucky Goulding.
Bob rode as an amateur from June 1962 to the end of the 1966/67 season and partnered 20 winners. His first winner had been Ellen's Pleasure at Newton Abbot during the Easter of 1966
Bob rode as an amateur from June 1962 to the end of the 1966/67 season and partnered 20 winners. His first winner had been Ellen's Pleasure at Newton Abbot during the Easter of 1966
Bob came from a farming background and, whilst still riding as an amateur, gained a B.Sc (Agric.) Hons. degree at Wye College.
Bob came from a farming background and, whilst still riding as an amateur, gained a B.Sc (Agric.) Hons. degree at Wye College.
He shared the jockeys' title in 1968-69 with Terry Biddlecombe (77 winners each) before winning it outright in 1969-70 and 1971-72.
He shared the jockeys' title in 1968-69 with Terry Biddlecombe (77 winners each) before winning it outright in 1969-70 and 1971-72.
He was associated with such good horses as Clever Scot and Zongalero. Bob also rode Tragus to win the Diamond Chase at Sandown.
He was associated with such good horses as Clever Scot and Zongalero. Bob also rode Tragus to win the Diamond Chase at Sandown.
Big races won included the Imperial Cup, the Black & White Gold Cup, Grand Annual Chase, Spa Hurdle, George Duller Hurdle, Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup and the Great Yorkshire Chase.
Big races won included the Imperial Cup, the Black & White Gold Cup, Grand Annual Chase, Spa Hurdle, George Duller Hurdle, Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup and the Great Yorkshire Chase.
He amassed 912 winners during his career.
He amassed 912 winners during his career.
It was never his intention to become a trainer once his jockey days were over: instead, he entered racing administration and became secretary and clerk of the course at Ludlow.
It was never his intention to become a trainer once his jockey days were over: instead, he entered racing administration and became secretary and clerk of the course at Ludlow.
On December 21, 1970, he married Susan Biddlecombe. She gave him a daughter, Karen Tareza.
On December 21, 1970, he married Susan Biddlecombe. She gave him a daughter, Karen Tareza.
Away from racing, he enjoyed a good book and a spot of gardening.
Away from racing, he enjoyed a good book and a spot of gardening.
Biggest wins:
Biggest wins:
1969: Black & White Whisky Gold Cup - Cool Alibi
1969: Black & White Whisky Gold Cup - Cool Alibi
1969: Mildmay of Fleet Chase - Specify
1969: Mildmay of Fleet Chase - Specify
1970: Imperial Cup - Solomon ll
1970: Imperial Cup - Solomon ll
1973: Green Group Handicap Hurdle - Perambulate
1973: Green Group Handicap Hurdle - Perambulate
1974: Mildmay-Cazalet Memorial - High Ken
1974: Mildmay-Cazalet Memorial - High Ken
1976: Cheltenham Grand Annual - Dulwich
1976: Cheltenham Grand Annual - Dulwich
1977: Free Handicap Hurdle - Levararmoss
1977: Free Handicap Hurdle - Levararmoss
1978: Grand National - Lucius
1978: Grand National - Lucius
1981: William Hill Golden Spurs Handicap Chase - Tragus
1981: William Hill Golden Spurs Handicap Chase - Tragus
1982: Geoffrey Gilbey Memorial Chase - Straight Jocelyn
1982: Geoffrey Gilbey Memorial Chase - Straight Jocelyn
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