Frank Hardy
1884 – 1913
1884 – 1913
The son of a plumber, Frank William Hardy was born at Northampton on December 26, 1884, and became apprenticed to Thomas Jennings Jnr at Phantom House, Newmarket.
The son of a plumber, Frank William Hardy was born at Northampton on December 26, 1884, and became apprenticed to Thomas Jennings Jnr at Phantom House, Newmarket.
His moment of glory came in the 1902 St Leger aboard the great filly Sceptre. Hardy had been beaten on Sceptre earlier in that year’s Lincoln, and Herbert Randall became Sceptre’s regular rider. However, Randall lost the ride when falling out with the stable and Frank Hardy was re-engaged. Hardy made no mistake this time, winning easily before going on to become joint champion apprentice with 74 winners.
His moment of glory came in the 1902 St Leger aboard the great filly Sceptre. Hardy had been beaten on Sceptre earlier in that year’s Lincoln, and Herbert Randall became Sceptre’s regular rider. However, Randall lost the ride when falling out with the stable and Frank Hardy was re-engaged. Hardy made no mistake this time, winning easily before going on to become joint champion apprentice with 74 winners.
His career was dogged by ill-health and, in 1913, having ridden in France, aged 28, he returned to England where, in Hornsey, Middlesex, on September 29, 1913, he died of consumption.
His career was dogged by ill-health and, in 1913, having ridden in France, aged 28, he returned to England where, in Hornsey, Middlesex, on September 29, 1913, he died of consumption.
He was buried at Newmarket on October 4, 1913.
He was buried at Newmarket on October 4, 1913.
His first winner was Papdale, at Newmarket, July 18, 1901.
His first winner was Papdale, at Newmarket, July 18, 1901.
Frank fractured his thigh when Traitress hit a post and fell into the crowd at Northampton on March 31, 1904.
Frank fractured his thigh when Traitress hit a post and fell into the crowd at Northampton on March 31, 1904.
