William Greaves
1865 - 1910
1865 - 1910
William Greaves, the son of a trainer, was born in Lewes in 1865 and became apprenticed to Charles Blanton.
William Greaves, the son of a trainer, was born in Lewes in 1865 and became apprenticed to Charles Blanton.
He won three big races in 1880: the Cambridgeshire on Lucetta, the Chester Cup on Fashion and the Portland Handicap on Discount.
He won three big races in 1880: the Cambridgeshire on Lucetta, the Chester Cup on Fashion and the Portland Handicap on Discount.
He then tried his hand at riding abroad and won the 1884 German Derby on Stronzian.
He then tried his hand at riding abroad and won the 1884 German Derby on Stronzian.
Sadly, increasing weight forced him out of the saddle. He became a head lad at Newmarket but began to drink heavily. In 1888 he was declared bankrupt.Â
Sadly, increasing weight forced him out of the saddle. He became a head lad at Newmarket but began to drink heavily. In 1888 he was declared bankrupt.Â
William died at Newmarket on June 21, 1910, aged 45. He never married.
William died at Newmarket on June 21, 1910, aged 45. He never married.