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Ernest Darling was the third son of Beckhampton trainer Sam Darling.
Ernest Darling was the third son of Beckhampton trainer Sam Darling.
As a boy he had no liking for horses until he became a pupil with Mr Harvey, a gentleman farmer and sportsman in Norfolk.
As a boy he had no liking for horses until he became a pupil with Mr Harvey, a gentleman farmer and sportsman in Norfolk.
Mr Harvey once dared Ernest to ride a hunter over a five-barred gate. He did so and both horse and rider ended up on the ground. Undaunted, Ernest immediately remounted and charged at it again, this time successfully.
Mr Harvey once dared Ernest to ride a hunter over a five-barred gate. He did so and both horse and rider ended up on the ground. Undaunted, Ernest immediately remounted and charged at it again, this time successfully.
From that time he hunted regularly and, on Saturday, 9 April, 1904, he rode the even-money favourite Undesired to a three-length victory in the United Hunts Farmers' and Tradesmen's Steeplechase. A future in the saddle beckoned.
From that time he hunted regularly and, on Saturday, 9 April, 1904, he rode the even-money favourite Undesired to a three-length victory in the United Hunts Farmers' and Tradesmen's Steeplechase. A future in the saddle beckoned.
On Sunday 10 July - shortly after that initial win - Ernest went bathing in a river at Christian Malfort near Chippenhan. He had swum across and was returning when he was seized with cramp, and although his cries for help were promptly responded to by his companions, he sank before a rescue could be effected.
On Sunday 10 July - shortly after that initial win - Ernest went bathing in a river at Christian Malfort near Chippenhan. He had swum across and was returning when he was seized with cramp, and although his cries for help were promptly responded to by his companions, he sank before a rescue could be effected.
His body was recovered thirty minutes later, but all efforts to restore life proved futile.
His body was recovered thirty minutes later, but all efforts to restore life proved futile.
Ernest, who had recently taken a house in Seagry and had intended to move into it the following day, was just 22.
Ernest, who had recently taken a house in Seagry and had intended to move into it the following day, was just 22.
He was buried at Avebury on Wednesday, 13 July.
He was buried at Avebury on Wednesday, 13 July.
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