William Boyce

1818 - 1908

William Dixon Boyce, last surviving jockey of the infamous 1844 Derby - in which he partnered The Ashtead Pit - was born in Newmarket on September 4th, 1818.

He ran a pub, from 1852 until 1857, before returning to riding: his best wins included the 1843 Cesarewitch on Corranna and the 1859 Queen Anne Stakes on Sedbury.

He was the son of St Leger winner Richard Dixon Boyce and had three brothers who were also jockeys.

William also trained for a few years before becoming custodian of Newmarket Heath.

He died on February 3, 1908, aged 89.