William Brockton

William Rippon Brockton was born at Farndon, Nottinghamshire, on August 25, 1838. Her rode as an amateur and was the 1880 Champion National Hunt Jockey with 35 wins.

A framer by profession, he rode a total of 617 races, winning on 256 occasions. In doing so, he broke nearly every bone in his body.

He won his first important race on the six-year-old Tathwell, named after his owner Mr Sam Welfitt’s home, in the 1868 National Hunt Chase, run for the second year in succession at Charm Park, Bedford, over the same course on which the Oakley Hunt Steeplechases were held.

His best rides were the chestnut mare Primrose, on which he won 25 races, and Besseker (20 chases and one hurdle). Moorhen (won 16 races), Marmion (16 races) and Maid Of Honour (15 races) were other prolific winners for him.

He won the 1880 Scottish Grand National on Peacock. He also won the Waltham Hurdle at Croxton Park seven years in succession. He retired in 1890.

William Brockton died in Nottinghamshire, aged 77, on September 17, 1915. He left £4,984.

Best wins:

1868:  National Hunt Chase – Tathwell

1870: Croydon Hurdle – Primrose 

1874:  Leamington Grand Annual - Besseker

1880:  Scottish Grand National - Peacock