William Broadhurst

1910 -1929

Apprentice jockey William Broadhurst rode two winners on the Flat in the latter part of 1927, both of them on Desiree, trained by Syd Mercer.

The first of those was at Nottingham on October 3, 1927, when Desiree took the Rufford Abbey Maiden (Apprentice) Plate by a neck, despite William putting up 4lb overweight at 6st 13lb. 

After Steve Donoghue had finished sixth of seven on Desiree next time out at Newmarket on October 18, William was given another chance, and at Lincoln on November 8, the pair landed the Elsham Maiden (Apprentice) Plate by a length and a half. This was a maiden at closing race, hence Desiree was able to win two maiden races. 

He rode Desiree four times during the 1928 season, finishing third twice. 

His last ride was on Rufforth, finishing third of four runners in the Rufford Abbey Maiden Apprentice Plate at Nottingham on Monday, October 8, 1928.

Sadly, on Sunday, July 14, 1929, William Broadhurst, aged 19, died at the Rous Memorial Hospital, Newmarket, after an operation for appendicitis.