Bill Jesse

William Arthur Jesse was born on June 20, 1942 and lived for a time at 22 Trusloe Cottage, Marlborough.

He was apprenticed to George Todd between 1957-1965 and had his first ride in public at Salisbury on Wednesday, May 16, 1962, riding King's Secret for Todd.


He rode his first winner, Colmado, 3/1 fav, later that year on November 8 at Manchester.


He was never going to be a prolific winner: his best season came in 1968 with 16 victories.


Bill won the Newbury Autumn Cup in 1967 on 100/8 outsider Major Rose.


He rode for the last time on Tuesday, July 7, 1981. His mount, Top of the Table, finished unplaced at Chepstow.


He was a keen swimmer, and enjoyed drawing and reading.

He died in Swindon on November 9, 2000, aged 58.


When Bill was an apprentice back in the 60s, he drove a mini car - and kept a record player on the back seat blasting out all the hits of the day on his way to the races. He was described as ' a really nice guy' by many of his contemporaries.