Charles Cockerton

Charles Cockerton

Article by Alan Trout

Although he was apprenticed to Bob Armstrong (1865-1956), one of the leading trainers in the north for over 60 years, Charles Cockerton did not manage to ride a winner during the four seasons he was in action during the first decade of the 20th century. 

It was at Hamilton Park on May 20, 1904 that Charles had his first ride when unplaced on Downside in the Ruthven Handicap, won by future champion jockey Elijah Wheatley. 

From his stables at Penrith in Cumberland, Bob Armstrong sent out 36 winners in 1904, then 33 in 1905, but Charles was not on board any of them. He had no luck in 1906 either, although he did ride for Lord Lonsdale, the stable’s leading patron for many years.

Charles took out a full licence for the 1907 season but only had one ride. It was at Epsom on Derby Day, June 5, of all places, but the race was the lowly Ranmore Selling Plate, run two races after the main event. It was won by Billy Higgs on Norrie. Charles rode a horse named Bookmaker, a winner at Brighton on his previous start 12 days earlier, finishing seventh of the 13 runners. 

Thus, Charles Cockerton’s race-riding career ended on one of racing’s biggest stages, without him having ridden a winner.