Alfred Calder

1890 - 1927

Alfred Glenville Calder, usually known by his second Christian name, rode on the Flat between 1911 and 1922 prior to becoming a National Hunt jockey.

He rode chiefly for trainer A. H. Saxby and achieved his biggest success on Dwarf of the Forest in the 1924 Welsh Grand National at Cardiff. He also finished fourth on Drifter in the 1924 Grand National.

He rode Postino to victory in the Cranbourne Handicap Chase at Newbury in December 1925. A day later he was diagnosed with cancer. Despite his illness, he managed to resume riding for a short while, winning on his first mount back, True Love in the Pitchcroft Hurdle race at Worcester on April 29, 1926.

However, the cancer eventually forced his retirement and resulted in his death at the General Hospital, Cheltenham, at 9 o'clock, Thursday morning, January 27, 1927, aged 36.

He died destitute, leaving a widow and one child totally unprovided for. Saxby gave them a temporary home. His funeral took place at 2.30 p.m. at Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham on Sunday, January 30.