Billy Higgs
1879 – 1958
1879 – 1958
Though dogged by digestive problems brought on by constant wasting, Billy Higgs – born within the sound of Bow Bells at 22, Ewing Street, Mile End, London - became Champion Jockey on two occasions – in 1906 he rode 149 winners: in 1907 146.
Though dogged by digestive problems brought on by constant wasting, Billy Higgs – born within the sound of Bow Bells at 22, Ewing Street, Mile End, London - became Champion Jockey on two occasions – in 1906 he rode 149 winners: in 1907 146.
He began his apprenticeship with Lambourn trainer Charles Humphreys. When Humphreys died, his indentures were transferred to J. Chandler. William had a short spell riding in Ireland, mainly for J C Sullivan.
He began his apprenticeship with Lambourn trainer Charles Humphreys. When Humphreys died, his indentures were transferred to J. Chandler. William had a short spell riding in Ireland, mainly for J C Sullivan.
His first big win came back in England when he won the 1904 Ebor on War Wolf: he came third in the Cesarewitch on the same horse.
His first big win came back in England when he won the 1904 Ebor on War Wolf: he came third in the Cesarewitch on the same horse.
A second Ebor win the following year on The Page consolidated his growing reputation. He won a third Ebor in 1909 on Dibbs.
A second Ebor win the following year on The Page consolidated his growing reputation. He won a third Ebor in 1909 on Dibbs.
He became stable jockey to Samuel Darling Snr at Beckhampton and rode Slieve Gallion to win the 1909 2,000 Guineas, making all the running. Other big wins included the Cesarewitch, Jockey Club Cup, Ascot Gold Cup, Ascot Stakes and the Chester Cup – all on the same horse, Willonyx. Having ridden 1,002 winners, he gave up riding at the outbreak of war and, from 1923 to 1940, trained at Blewbury with moderate success.
He became stable jockey to Samuel Darling Snr at Beckhampton and rode Slieve Gallion to win the 1909 2,000 Guineas, making all the running. Other big wins included the Cesarewitch, Jockey Club Cup, Ascot Gold Cup, Ascot Stakes and the Chester Cup – all on the same horse, Willonyx. Having ridden 1,002 winners, he gave up riding at the outbreak of war and, from 1923 to 1940, trained at Blewbury with moderate success.
He suffered personal tragedy when his son, Arnold Ebor Higgs, was killed in a race fall at Chester in 1924. On Thursday May 15th, riding his father's 10/1 chance William Tell, Arnold fell from the saddle having covered just two furlongs. Only 19 years old, he died the next day.
He suffered personal tragedy when his son, Arnold Ebor Higgs, was killed in a race fall at Chester in 1924. On Thursday May 15th, riding his father's 10/1 chance William Tell, Arnold fell from the saddle having covered just two furlongs. Only 19 years old, he died the next day.
Another son, Anthony, died aged 11, on March 31, 1932 as a result of getting his right foot cut off in a harvesting machine at his home in Blewbury, near Didcot, Berkshire.
Another son, Anthony, died aged 11, on March 31, 1932 as a result of getting his right foot cut off in a harvesting machine at his home in Blewbury, near Didcot, Berkshire.
At Newbury, 27th September 1907, William rode the first five winners.
At Newbury, 27th September 1907, William rode the first five winners.
His splendid day began with a win in the two-year-old Seller aboard Mr Gilroy's Kosakin. Next he won the Selling Plate for all ages on Mr Bury's Black Lace. The most valuable race was the Newbury Autumn Cup which he then won on Mr Sullivan's The Page. The fourth race, the Donnington Castle 2-y-o Maiden was won aboard Sir E Vincent's Galore, and the fifth victory came on another of Mr Bury's racehorses, Galafield, in the Moderate Plate.
His splendid day began with a win in the two-year-old Seller aboard Mr Gilroy's Kosakin. Next he won the Selling Plate for all ages on Mr Bury's Black Lace. The most valuable race was the Newbury Autumn Cup which he then won on Mr Sullivan's The Page. The fourth race, the Donnington Castle 2-y-o Maiden was won aboard Sir E Vincent's Galore, and the fifth victory came on another of Mr Bury's racehorses, Galafield, in the Moderate Plate.
For the record, he missed out on going through the card when finishing unplaced in the concluding 17-runner Manton Nursery aboard Lord Rosebery's 8 to 1 chance Alistair.
For the record, he missed out on going through the card when finishing unplaced in the concluding 17-runner Manton Nursery aboard Lord Rosebery's 8 to 1 chance Alistair.
An embroidered silk panel commemorating the achievement was commissioned, the embroidered inscription naming the winners within a floral decorated border on an ivory ground and red border.
An embroidered silk panel commemorating the achievement was commissioned, the embroidered inscription naming the winners within a floral decorated border on an ivory ground and red border.
His riding record over his last seasons was: 1905 – 107; 1906 – 149; 1907 – 146; 1908 – 124; 1909- 101; 1910- 70; 1911-47.
His riding record over his last seasons was: 1905 – 107; 1906 – 149; 1907 – 146; 1908 – 124; 1909- 101; 1910- 70; 1911-47.
Born on February 8, 1880, Billy died in a Warwick hospital on December 12 1958, aged 78.
Born on February 8, 1880, Billy died in a Warwick hospital on December 12 1958, aged 78.
He rode his first winner, Miss Lettice, at Sandown on June 15, 1901.
He rode his first winner, Miss Lettice, at Sandown on June 15, 1901.
Billy rode a total of 1,002 winners.
Billy rode a total of 1,002 winners.
He retired in 1913 and the following year laid out the Blacklands Stud. He then trained between 1923 & 1940, but met with just modest success.
He retired in 1913 and the following year laid out the Blacklands Stud. He then trained between 1923 & 1940, but met with just modest success.
Info supplied by Chas Hammond.
Info supplied by Chas Hammond.