Robert Balding

Jockey Robert Edward Balding was employed by Marlborough trainer Charles Peck and frequently rode winners for Mr Lines of Newmarket.

When, in 1928, Robert received an offer to ride for a Mr Pratt in France, he readily accepted.

On Tuesday, 22 May, he drove his motorcycle - with his wife riding pillion - to his parents' house at Thorne to say goodbye. Incessant rain made the journey difficult.

At 12.45, he approached Alderton Hill, Loughton.

A coach was just ahead of him. Travelling at an estimated speed of 45 mph, Robert attempted to overtake.

Suddenly the bike's back wheel skidded, sending Robert onto the pavement. He collided head-first with the wall of a tell house. He died instantly. His wife, thrown over his shoulders, was severely injured and taken to Chesterfield Hospital.

Robert was buried in Hatfield on Friday, May 25, 1928.

He served his apprenticeship with Herbert Lines at Newmarket. He had, however, met with little success, and had not taken out a licence to ride in the current season.

Robert was one of three brothers, all prominent jockeys. They had jointly bought the farm at Bearswood Green, on which their parents lived, from their racing earnings in 1920.