Robert Lloyd
Robert Lloyd
Robert Lloyd
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
Although apprenticed to one of the leading trainers of his generation, Robert Lloyd had only two rides in a career that lasted barely 48 hours. Yet both were on horses owned by King George V, and therefore Robert achieved more than many jockeys with far more successful careers. His master was Richard Marsh, trainer of 13 classic winners including four winners of the Derby.
Although apprenticed to one of the leading trainers of his generation, Robert Lloyd had only two rides in a career that lasted barely 48 hours. Yet both were on horses owned by King George V, and therefore Robert achieved more than many jockeys with far more successful careers. His master was Richard Marsh, trainer of 13 classic winners including four winners of the Derby.
Robert’s first ride for the King was an unplaced effort on a two-year-old filly named Marie L’Estrange, a 33-1 outsider in the 29-runner First Nursery Handicap at Newmarket on August 31, 1915. Victory in that race went to 8-1 chance Linen, ridden by Ted Gardner, later to become champion jockey in Ireland.
Robert’s first ride for the King was an unplaced effort on a two-year-old filly named Marie L’Estrange, a 33-1 outsider in the 29-runner First Nursery Handicap at Newmarket on August 31, 1915. Victory in that race went to 8-1 chance Linen, ridden by Ted Gardner, later to become champion jockey in Ireland.
Two days later, again at Newmarket, Robert had his second ride in the royal colours, this time on another two-year-old filly called White Pearl in the 35-runner Witchford Nursery Handicap. As with Marie L’Estrange, White Pearl started at 33-1 and finished unplaced. Linen was again in the field, this time partnered by Percy Allden, and was sent off the 4-1 favourite to follow up her win two days earlier in a wide-open contest, but she could only finish second, beaten five lengths by 8-1 second favourite Foxton.
Two days later, again at Newmarket, Robert had his second ride in the royal colours, this time on another two-year-old filly called White Pearl in the 35-runner Witchford Nursery Handicap. As with Marie L’Estrange, White Pearl started at 33-1 and finished unplaced. Linen was again in the field, this time partnered by Percy Allden, and was sent off the 4-1 favourite to follow up her win two days earlier in a wide-open contest, but she could only finish second, beaten five lengths by 8-1 second favourite Foxton.
Following those two rides for King George V, Robert faded from the scene, as did both of his mounts, neither of whom ever won a race. However, the King went on to win the 1928 1,000 Guineas with Scuttle, the first classic winner to be bred and owned by a reigning monarch.
Following those two rides for King George V, Robert faded from the scene, as did both of his mounts, neither of whom ever won a race. However, the King went on to win the 1928 1,000 Guineas with Scuttle, the first classic winner to be bred and owned by a reigning monarch.
As a Private fighting in WW1, Robert was struck on the temple by a shell which blew away his right eye. When he regained consciousness, he found himself in the hands of the Germans. He was taken to Doeberitz Camp, where he suffered dreadful treatment. Without a shirt on his back or boots on his feet, he was forced to rough it with other English, French and Russian prisoners. His injuries were left untreated.
As a Private fighting in WW1, Robert was struck on the temple by a shell which blew away his right eye. When he regained consciousness, he found himself in the hands of the Germans. He was taken to Doeberitz Camp, where he suffered dreadful treatment. Without a shirt on his back or boots on his feet, he was forced to rough it with other English, French and Russian prisoners. His injuries were left untreated.
Robert's first ride