Frankie Durr
Frankie Durr
1925-2000
1925-2000
Francis Durr was born in Bootle, Liverpool on 10 November 1925, the son of a haulage contractor.
Francis Durr was born in Bootle, Liverpool on 10 November 1925, the son of a haulage contractor.
He served his apprenticeship from 1942 to 1945 at Bedford Cottage stable in Newmarket, managed by Miss Clayton. He had his first ride in public in 1942 and rode his first winner, Merle, at Pontefract on 2 September 1944. The following year he was joint holder of the apprentices' championship, with both he and Tommy Gosling riding ten winners apiece.
He served his apprenticeship from 1942 to 1945 at Bedford Cottage stable in Newmarket, managed by Miss Clayton. He had his first ride in public in 1942 and rode his first winner, Merle, at Pontefract on 2 September 1944. The following year he was joint holder of the apprentices' championship, with both he and Tommy Gosling riding ten winners apiece.
He completed his apprenticeship with Willie Pratt (1946-47) and Willaim Griggs (1948).
He completed his apprenticeship with Willie Pratt (1946-47) and Willaim Griggs (1948).
In February 1954 he married Odette Haley, daughter of former National Hunt trainer Jack Haley. They had one daughter, Elizabeth.
In February 1954 he married Odette Haley, daughter of former National Hunt trainer Jack Haley. They had one daughter, Elizabeth.
His first important retainer was as first jockey to the Duke of Norfolk’s Arundel Stable. During the six years he held that position he won the 1952 Free Handicap on the Duke’s Caerlaverock.
His first important retainer was as first jockey to the Duke of Norfolk’s Arundel Stable. During the six years he held that position he won the 1952 Free Handicap on the Duke’s Caerlaverock.
He achieved his first Classic success aboard Even Star for Newmarket trainer Reg Day in the 1957 Irish 1,000 Guineas.
He achieved his first Classic success aboard Even Star for Newmarket trainer Reg Day in the 1957 Irish 1,000 Guineas.
Probably the best horse he rode during the whole of the 1950s was the champion sprinter Right Boy, on whom he won the 1958 Festival Stakes at Birmingham on the only occasion he rode him in a race.
Probably the best horse he rode during the whole of the 1950s was the champion sprinter Right Boy, on whom he won the 1958 Festival Stakes at Birmingham on the only occasion he rode him in a race.
During the early 1960s he was associated with leading owner Major Lionel Holliday, for whom he won the Great Voltigeur Stakes on Hethersett and the Magnet Cup on Nortia, both trained by Dick Hern, in 1962.
During the early 1960s he was associated with leading owner Major Lionel Holliday, for whom he won the Great Voltigeur Stakes on Hethersett and the Magnet Cup on Nortia, both trained by Dick Hern, in 1962.
In 1966 he rode the George Todd-trained Sodium to win the Brighton Derby Trial, finish fourth behind Charlottown in the Derby itself, then beat Charlottown in the Irish Derby. They then finished second to Aunt Edith in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes before going on to win the St Leger.
In 1966 he rode the George Todd-trained Sodium to win the Brighton Derby Trial, finish fourth behind Charlottown in the Derby itself, then beat Charlottown in the Irish Derby. They then finished second to Aunt Edith in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes before going on to win the St Leger.
He was also retained by Newmarket trainer Geoffrey Barling and by leading owners Lady Beaverbook and David Robinson. For the latter he rode My Swallow to win the Usher Stakes at Kempton on April 10, 1971, then finished third on him in that year’s famous 2,000 Guineas behind Brigadier Gerard and Mill Reef. Later that season they were runners-up to Realm in the July Cup.
He was also retained by Newmarket trainer Geoffrey Barling and by leading owners Lady Beaverbook and David Robinson. For the latter he rode My Swallow to win the Usher Stakes at Kempton on April 10, 1971, then finished third on him in that year’s famous 2,000 Guineas behind Brigadier Gerard and Mill Reef. Later that season they were runners-up to Realm in the July Cup.
He won two Classics in 1973, both on longshots: 50-1 outsider Mon Fils for Richard Hannon in the 2,000 Guineas, and 28-1 chance Peleid for Bill Elsey in the St. Leger. He won the 2,000 Guineas for a second time in 1978 on Roland Gardens, another 28-1 chance, for trainer Duncan Sasse. .
He won two Classics in 1973, both on longshots: 50-1 outsider Mon Fils for Richard Hannon in the 2,000 Guineas, and 28-1 chance Peleid for Bill Elsey in the St. Leger. He won the 2,000 Guineas for a second time in 1978 on Roland Gardens, another 28-1 chance, for trainer Duncan Sasse. .
Frank rode his last winner on Halyudh at Newmarket on 3 November 1978. He retired at the end of the season having ridden 1,463 winners in Britain, plus many abroad.
Frank rode his last winner on Halyudh at Newmarket on 3 November 1978. He retired at the end of the season having ridden 1,463 winners in Britain, plus many abroad.
During his long career he rode in the West Indies, South Africa, Brazil and America, as well as most European countries, a highlight being Atilla’s victory in the 1965 Gran Premio del Jockey Club. He spent many winters riding in India, where he was champion jockey in Bombay in the 1957/58 season. He won the Indian Derby on Rose Royal in 1965.
During his long career he rode in the West Indies, South Africa, Brazil and America, as well as most European countries, a highlight being Atilla’s victory in the 1965 Gran Premio del Jockey Club. He spent many winters riding in India, where he was champion jockey in Bombay in the 1957/58 season. He won the Indian Derby on Rose Royal in 1965.
Frank refused the extra workload of riding at evening meetings, preferring to spend that time with his family at his farm at Kirklington, just outside Newmarket. Consequently he had fewer mounts than many other leading riders. Nonetheless, he was fourth in the jockeys’ table in both 1968 and 1969, achieving a personal record of 87 winners in 1969.
Frank refused the extra workload of riding at evening meetings, preferring to spend that time with his family at his farm at Kirklington, just outside Newmarket. Consequently he had fewer mounts than many other leading riders. Nonetheless, he was fourth in the jockeys’ table in both 1968 and 1969, achieving a personal record of 87 winners in 1969.
After hanging up his saddle, he began training in 1979. Sending out horses from Fiztroy Stables, Black Bear Lane, Newmarket, he won the Portland Handicap (Swelter, 1980) and the Cambridgeshire (Sagamore, 1983). He also won five Group races, highlighted by the victory of Ahonoora in the 1979 Nunthorpe Stakes (known at that time as the William Hill Sprint Championship).
After hanging up his saddle, he began training in 1979. Sending out horses from Fiztroy Stables, Black Bear Lane, Newmarket, he won the Portland Handicap (Swelter, 1980) and the Cambridgeshire (Sagamore, 1983). He also won five Group races, highlighted by the victory of Ahonoora in the 1979 Nunthorpe Stakes (known at that time as the William Hill Sprint Championship).
Frank Durr died, aged 74, in Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, on Tuesday, 18 January 2000.
Frank Durr died, aged 74, in Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, on Tuesday, 18 January 2000.
Former jockey Geoff Baxter, who married his daughter Elizabeth, said "He spent Christmas and New Year with us but then last week he had a nosebleed. He went into hospital and didn’t come out.”
Former jockey Geoff Baxter, who married his daughter Elizabeth, said "He spent Christmas and New Year with us but then last week he had a nosebleed. He went into hospital and didn’t come out.”
Paying tribute, Richard Hannon said: “If it wasn’t for Frank I wouldn’t be training now – it’s as simple as that. We were going through a pretty bad spell and he helped me big-time. Then we got the Guineas winner Mon Fils, and things started to happen.
Paying tribute, Richard Hannon said: “If it wasn’t for Frank I wouldn’t be training now – it’s as simple as that. We were going through a pretty bad spell and he helped me big-time. Then we got the Guineas winner Mon Fils, and things started to happen.
“There are millions of stories you could tell, but one in particular was about a filly who finished last at Newbury. Frank got off and said, ‘This one will go places’.
“There are millions of stories you could tell, but one in particular was about a filly who finished last at Newbury. Frank got off and said, ‘This one will go places’.
“He was so right because she went on to win the 1,000 Guineas for Barry Hills. That was Enstone Spark.
“He was so right because she went on to win the 1,000 Guineas for Barry Hills. That was Enstone Spark.
“Frank was a great gentleman, a good man for the game, and a really true professional. As I say, but for him I would probably be digging roads.”
“Frank was a great gentleman, a good man for the game, and a really true professional. As I say, but for him I would probably be digging roads.”
Taffy Thomas rode the Durr-trained Sagamore to win the 1983 Cambridgeshire. Looking back at his late friend's riding career, he said: “Frank was a very professional jockey, a great race-rider, and wouldn’t give an inch in a finish.
Taffy Thomas rode the Durr-trained Sagamore to win the 1983 Cambridgeshire. Looking back at his late friend's riding career, he said: “Frank was a very professional jockey, a great race-rider, and wouldn’t give an inch in a finish.
“We were friends off the track but great rivals on it, and he never took any prisoners if he had a chance of winning,” Thomas went on. “He was also a very good trainer. If he told you one had a good chance it was never very far away.”
“We were friends off the track but great rivals on it, and he never took any prisoners if he had a chance of winning,” Thomas went on. “He was also a very good trainer. If he told you one had a good chance it was never very far away.”
Broadcaster Jimmy Lindley, who rode alongside Durr for many years, recalled: “He was a very good jockey, he was very strong and hated to be beaten. To beat him in a finish you had to be at your very best.”
Broadcaster Jimmy Lindley, who rode alongside Durr for many years, recalled: “He was a very good jockey, he was very strong and hated to be beaten. To beat him in a finish you had to be at your very best.”
Former champion jockey Joe Mercer added: “Frank was a wonderful person; very professional when it came to the job but good company away from it, and a lot of people will miss him.”
Former champion jockey Joe Mercer added: “Frank was a wonderful person; very professional when it came to the job but good company away from it, and a lot of people will miss him.”
Another contemporary, Eric Eldin, recalled Durr’s fanatical perfectionism. “He was a hard little jockey and, at the same time, very brainy,” he said.
Another contemporary, Eric Eldin, recalled Durr’s fanatical perfectionism. “He was a hard little jockey and, at the same time, very brainy,” he said.
“He used to work everything out; the wind conditions and when he should tuck in, how the grass had been mown and how that would affect the running of a race – the real finer points that no other jockey would think about.”
“He used to work everything out; the wind conditions and when he should tuck in, how the grass had been mown and how that would affect the running of a race – the real finer points that no other jockey would think about.”
Trainer Jeff Pearce, who was Durr’s assistant for over three years, said: “Frank was a terrific person to work for. Being a former jump jockey, I found him a great bloke to learn about Flat racing from and I owe him a great deal.”
Trainer Jeff Pearce, who was Durr’s assistant for over three years, said: “Frank was a terrific person to work for. Being a former jump jockey, I found him a great bloke to learn about Flat racing from and I owe him a great deal.”
Classic winners
Classic winners
1957: Irish 1,000 Guineas – Even Star
1957: Irish 1,000 Guineas – Even Star
1966: Irish Derby – Sodium
1966: Irish Derby – Sodium
1966: St Leger – Sodium
1966: St Leger – Sodium
1973: Two Thousand Guineas – Mon Fils
1973: Two Thousand Guineas – Mon Fils
1973: St Leger – Peleid
1973: St Leger – Peleid
1978: Two Thousand Guineas – Roland Gardens
1978: Two Thousand Guineas – Roland Gardens
Other big wins include:
Other big wins include:
1949: Ascot Stakes – Hilali
1949: Ascot Stakes – Hilali
1952: Free Handicap – Caerlaverock
1952: Free Handicap – Caerlaverock
1952: Greenham Stakes – Serpenyoe
1952: Greenham Stakes – Serpenyoe
1952: Cherry Hinton Stakes – Pirouette (dead-heat)
1952: Cherry Hinton Stakes – Pirouette (dead-heat)
1952: Queen Elizabeth Cup – Ronald
1952: Queen Elizabeth Cup – Ronald
1954: Festival Stakes – King Bruce
1954: Festival Stakes – King Bruce
1957: John Porter Stakes – China Rock
1957: John Porter Stakes – China Rock
1958: Festival Stakes – Right Boy
1958: Festival Stakes – Right Boy
1958: King George V Handicap – Quick Decision
1958: King George V Handicap – Quick Decision
1958: Stewards Cup – Epaulette
1958: Stewards Cup – Epaulette
1958: Ayr Gold Cup – Rhythmic
1958: Ayr Gold Cup – Rhythmic
1960: Chester Cup – Trelawny
1960: Chester Cup – Trelawny
1960: Thirsk Hunt Cup – Guitarist
1960: Thirsk Hunt Cup – Guitarist
1961: Carlisle Bell – Falls Of Cruachan
1961: Carlisle Bell – Falls Of Cruachan
1961: William Hill Gold Cup – Sanctum
1961: William Hill Gold Cup – Sanctum
1962: Great Voltigeur Stakes – Hethersett
1962: Great Voltigeur Stakes – Hethersett
1962: Magnet Cup – Nortia
1962: Magnet Cup – Nortia
1963: Manchester Cup – Falls Of Cruachan
1963: Manchester Cup – Falls Of Cruachan
1963: Ayr Gold Cup – Egualita
1963: Ayr Gold Cup – Egualita
1963: Cambridgeshire – Commander in Chief
1963: Cambridgeshire – Commander in Chief
1964: Greenham Stakes – Excel
1964: Greenham Stakes – Excel
1964: Great Jubilee Handicap – Commander in Chief
1964: Great Jubilee Handicap – Commander in Chief
1964: Diadem Stakes – Ampney Princess
1964: Diadem Stakes – Ampney Princess
1965: Chester Cup – Harvest Gold
1965: Chester Cup – Harvest Gold
1965: Ascot Stakes – Harvest Gold
1965: Ascot Stakes – Harvest Gold
1965: Jersey Stakes – Fortezza
1965: Jersey Stakes – Fortezza
1965: Andy Capp Handicap – Shai
1965: Andy Capp Handicap – Shai
1965: Bunbury Cup – Grey Lord
1965: Bunbury Cup – Grey Lord
1965: Vaux Gold Tankard – Atilla
1965: Vaux Gold Tankard – Atilla
1965: Gran Premio del Jockey Club – Atilla
1965: Gran Premio del Jockey Club – Atilla
1966: Craven Stakes – Salvo
1966: Craven Stakes – Salvo
1966: Brighton Derby Trial – Sodium
1966: Brighton Derby Trial – Sodium
1967: Queen’s Vase – The Accuser
1967: Queen’s Vase – The Accuser
1967: Doncaster Cup – Crozier
1967: Doncaster Cup – Crozier
1967: Cornwallis Stakes – So Blessed
1967: Cornwallis Stakes – So Blessed
1967: Dewhurst Stakes – Hametus
1967: Dewhurst Stakes – Hametus
1968: Royal Hunt Cup – Golden Mean
1968: Royal Hunt Cup – Golden Mean
1968: July Cup – So Blessed
1968: July Cup – So Blessed
1968: Richmond Stakes – Tudor Music
1968: Richmond Stakes – Tudor Music
1968: King George Stakes – So Blessed
1968: King George Stakes – So Blessed
1968: Gimcrack Stakes – Tudor Music
1968: Gimcrack Stakes – Tudor Music
1968: Lowther Stakes – Flying Legs
1968: Lowther Stakes – Flying Legs
1968: Nunthorpe Stakes – So Blessed
1968: Nunthorpe Stakes – So Blessed
1969: Cork and Orrery Stakes – Tudor Music
1969: Cork and Orrery Stakes – Tudor Music
1969: Northumberland Plate – Even Say
1969: Northumberland Plate – Even Say
1969: July Cup – Tudor Music
1969: July Cup – Tudor Music
1969: Nassau Stakes – Lucyrowe
1969: Nassau Stakes – Lucyrowe
1969: Gimcrack Stakes – Yellow God
1969: Gimcrack Stakes – Yellow God
1969: Haydock Sprint Cup – Tudor Music
1969: Haydock Sprint Cup – Tudor Music
1969: Cambridgeshire Handicap – Prince De Galles
1969: Cambridgeshire Handicap – Prince De Galles
1970: Greenham Stakes – Gold Rod
1970: Greenham Stakes – Gold Rod
1970: City and Suburban Handicap – Granados
1970: City and Suburban Handicap – Granados
1970: Palace House Stakes – Tower Walk
1970: Palace House Stakes – Tower Walk
1970: Champagne Stakes – Breeders Dream
1970: Champagne Stakes – Breeders Dream
1970: Cambridgeshire Handicap – Prince De Galles
1970: Cambridgeshire Handicap – Prince De Galles
1971: John Porter Stakes – Meadowville
1971: John Porter Stakes – Meadowville
1971: Jockey Club Stakes – Meadowville
1971: Jockey Club Stakes – Meadowville
1971: Chester Cup – Random Shot
1971: Chester Cup – Random Shot
1971: July Stakes – Deep Diver
1971: July Stakes – Deep Diver
1971: Gimcrack Stakes – Wishing Star
1971: Gimcrack Stakes – Wishing Star
1971: Ebor Handicap – Knotty Pine
1971: Ebor Handicap – Knotty Pine
1972: Ebor Handicap – Crazy Rhythm
1972: Ebor Handicap – Crazy Rhythm
1973: Great Metropolitan Handicap – Quarrymaster
1973: Great Metropolitan Handicap – Quarrymaster
1973: Jockey Club Stakes – Our Mirage
1973: Jockey Club Stakes – Our Mirage
1973: Coventry Stakes – Doleswood
1973: Coventry Stakes – Doleswood
1973: Princess of Wales’s Stakes – Our Mirage
1973: Princess of Wales’s Stakes – Our Mirage
1973: Royal Lodge Stakes – Straight As A Die
1973: Royal Lodge Stakes – Straight As A Die
1974: Portland Handicap – Matinee
1974: Portland Handicap – Matinee
1975: Temple Stakes – Blue Cashmere
1975: Temple Stakes – Blue Cashmere
1975: Bessborough Stakes – Fool’s Mate
1975: Bessborough Stakes – Fool’s Mate
1975: Flying Childers Stakes – Hittite Glory
1975: Flying Childers Stakes – Hittite Glory
1975: Middle Park Stakes – Hittite Glory
1975: Middle Park Stakes – Hittite Glory
1977: Lowther Stakes – Enstone Spark
1977: Lowther Stakes – Enstone Spark
1978: Blue Riband Trial – Roland Gardens
1978: Blue Riband Trial – Roland Gardens