Alan Horrocks
Alan Horrocks was born in Lancashire on June 24, 1947. His father and grandfather were both jockeys. He served his apprenticeship initially with Frank Carr from 1963 to 1965 before joining Ernie Davey.
Alan Horrocks was born in Lancashire on June 24, 1947. His father and grandfather were both jockeys. He served his apprenticeship initially with Frank Carr from 1963 to 1965 before joining Ernie Davey.
Alan’s first winner was Breakthrough, the 7-1 outsider of three, trained by Carr, in the Campsie Two-Year-Old Stakes at Hamilton Park on May 11, 1963. That was to be his only winner until 1966.
Alan’s first winner was Breakthrough, the 7-1 outsider of three, trained by Carr, in the Campsie Two-Year-Old Stakes at Hamilton Park on May 11, 1963. That was to be his only winner until 1966.
In 1969, having completed his time with Davey, Alan signed up for a further term with Deryck Bastiman, who was doing well in his first season as a National Hunt licence holder.
In 1969, having completed his time with Davey, Alan signed up for a further term with Deryck Bastiman, who was doing well in his first season as a National Hunt licence holder.
When Alan won on Red Desire at Catterick on June 23, 1970 – the day before his 23rd birthday – he automatically lost his 5lb. allowance. Red Desire was his fifth winner of the season and his 48th in all.
When Alan won on Red Desire at Catterick on June 23, 1970 – the day before his 23rd birthday – he automatically lost his 5lb. allowance. Red Desire was his fifth winner of the season and his 48th in all.
He recorded his most successful British season in 1971 with 15 winners from 244 mounts. They included his two biggest wins in England: Brython in the Liverpool Spring Cup and Horbury in the Thirsk Hunt Cup.
He recorded his most successful British season in 1971 with 15 winners from 244 mounts. They included his two biggest wins in England: Brython in the Liverpool Spring Cup and Horbury in the Thirsk Hunt Cup.
He completed a memorable year when, on November 6, 1971, he married Diane Clare Negent. They had two children, a daughter, Nicola, and a son, Nathan, who became a jump jockey.
He completed a memorable year when, on November 6, 1971, he married Diane Clare Negent. They had two children, a daughter, Nicola, and a son, Nathan, who became a jump jockey.
In 1973, Alan began riding Dick Peacock's lightweights.
In 1973, Alan began riding Dick Peacock's lightweights.
He won a total of 78 races in Britain, the last of them in 1975, but then went on to achieve even more success in Kenya.
He won a total of 78 races in Britain, the last of them in 1975, but then went on to achieve even more success in Kenya.
In 1978, Alan earned his place in the Guineas Book of Records when, not only did he win all four Kenyan classics, but he did it on the same horse, a remarkable filly called Manuscript. She beat the colts in the Triple Crown races and also won the Kenyan Oaks.
In 1978, Alan earned his place in the Guineas Book of Records when, not only did he win all four Kenyan classics, but he did it on the same horse, a remarkable filly called Manuscript. She beat the colts in the Triple Crown races and also won the Kenyan Oaks.
Away from racing, he enjoyed fishing and was very interested in history, his specialist subject being Richard the Third.
Away from racing, he enjoyed fishing and was very interested in history, his specialist subject being Richard the Third.
Alan Horrocks died on November 6, 2023, aged 76, following a long battle with cancer.
Alan Horrocks died on November 6, 2023, aged 76, following a long battle with cancer.
His son Nathan, having retired from race-riding, became a successful film director.
His son Nathan, having retired from race-riding, became a successful film director.
Big winners
Big winners
1971: Liverpool Spring Cup – Brython
1971: Liverpool Spring Cup – Brython
1971: Thirsk Hunt Cup – Horbury
1971: Thirsk Hunt Cup – Horbury