Edward Gardner
.1895 - 1982
.1895 - 1982
When Steve Donoghue switched to being a freelance jockey, it became vital for Lord Derby and his trainer, the Hon. George Lambton, to seek a suitable replacement. The stable was then one of the three most powerful in the country and the prestigious position could not be filled lightly. The name that sprang to Lambton’s mind was the unassuming Edward (Ted) Gardner – the son of a Tattersalls bookmaker - who readily accepted his offer.
When Steve Donoghue switched to being a freelance jockey, it became vital for Lord Derby and his trainer, the Hon. George Lambton, to seek a suitable replacement. The stable was then one of the three most powerful in the country and the prestigious position could not be filled lightly. The name that sprang to Lambton’s mind was the unassuming Edward (Ted) Gardner – the son of a Tattersalls bookmaker - who readily accepted his offer.
Edward Victor Gardner had been riding since he was sixteen, but had only been regarded as being a top flight pilot for the last couple of seasons. His career had begun splendidly enough – a winning debut ride at Newmarket on 100/8 chance Coral (Tuesday, April 16 1912) had been the perfect start. Coral had been trained by H. J. Hallick, who had taught Gardner (and other apprentices) how to ride. Gardner then promptly won on his next two mounts – few apprentices kick off with a winning treble.
Edward Victor Gardner had been riding since he was sixteen, but had only been regarded as being a top flight pilot for the last couple of seasons. His career had begun splendidly enough – a winning debut ride at Newmarket on 100/8 chance Coral (Tuesday, April 16 1912) had been the perfect start. Coral had been trained by H. J. Hallick, who had taught Gardner (and other apprentices) how to ride. Gardner then promptly won on his next two mounts – few apprentices kick off with a winning treble.
When Hallick died, Gardner’s indentures were transferred to Frank Barling, Newmarket. His first major win come on Friday June 19th 1914 when driving the 100/7 shot Mount William up to snatch a ½ length victory in the Wokingham Stakes at Ascot. He was expected to win the 1923 Derby on Pharos, a wonderfully shaped, little colt, ideally suited to the Epsom switchback. Turning into the straight from Tattenham Corner, there were only two in it – Pharos and Steve Donoghue’s mount Papyrus. Gardner got Pharos to the front for a stride or two, but then Donoghue, riding one of his strongest ever finishes, drove Papyrus forward to win by three-quarters of a length.
When Hallick died, Gardner’s indentures were transferred to Frank Barling, Newmarket. His first major win come on Friday June 19th 1914 when driving the 100/7 shot Mount William up to snatch a ½ length victory in the Wokingham Stakes at Ascot. He was expected to win the 1923 Derby on Pharos, a wonderfully shaped, little colt, ideally suited to the Epsom switchback. Turning into the straight from Tattenham Corner, there were only two in it – Pharos and Steve Donoghue’s mount Papyrus. Gardner got Pharos to the front for a stride or two, but then Donoghue, riding one of his strongest ever finishes, drove Papyrus forward to win by three-quarters of a length.
For reasons best known to himself, Gardner immediately asked to be released from his retainer, a request that was granted. He then turned freelance. Eventually he retired to Wiltshire and pursued his hobbies of golf and lawn tennis.
For reasons best known to himself, Gardner immediately asked to be released from his retainer, a request that was granted. He then turned freelance. Eventually he retired to Wiltshire and pursued his hobbies of golf and lawn tennis.
Edward was born in Reading on October 9, 1895.
Edward was born in Reading on October 9, 1895.
He died in Savernake Hospital in Marlborough on August 2, 1982.
He died in Savernake Hospital in Marlborough on August 2, 1982.
The son of a bookmaker also rode in Ireland: he became champion there in 1936.
The son of a bookmaker also rode in Ireland: he became champion there in 1936.
His son, Victor, also became a jockey while another son, James, became an actor. James died in 2010 aged 85.
His son, Victor, also became a jockey while another son, James, became an actor. James died in 2010 aged 85.
Edward's big race wins included:
Edward's big race wins included:
1922: The Oaks (Pogrom)
1922: The Oaks (Pogrom)
1923: 1,000 Guineas (Tranquil)
1923: 1,000 Guineas (Tranquil)
1923: Victoria Cup: (Top Gallant)
1923: Victoria Cup: (Top Gallant)
1924: Ebor Handicap (Marvex)
1924: Ebor Handicap (Marvex)
