Willie Lane
1883 - 1920
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Willie George Lane, the son of a Chelsea jobmaster, was born on February 21, 1883, in Kensington, London.
Willie George Lane, the son of a Chelsea jobmaster, was born on February 21, 1883, in Kensington, London.
Apprenticed to David Longhurst, he rode his first winner, Palmira, at Leicester on October 5, 1899
Apprenticed to David Longhurst, he rode his first winner, Palmira, at Leicester on October 5, 1899
A scribe wrote 'Little Lane proved quite equal to doing all that was required with Palmira, and the professionals took 5 to 4 whereas they would in all probability have asked for double these odds had regular jockey Skeets Martin been riding. This is one of the few examples where it pays to put up an unfashionable jockey'.
Doncaster September 18, 1901: In the Tattersall Sale Stakes, Pekin (Danny Maher) beats Lavengro (Willie Lane). Willie took up the running a furlong out, apparently going well, before Lavengro threw in the towel and was well beaten at the line.
On Wednesday June 19, 1901, Willie landed his first race of significance when winning the valuable Coronation Stakes on the chesnut filly Bella Gallina at Royal Ascot.
The 1901 Royal Ascot meeting was a particularly somber affair, often remembered as the "Black Ascot."
Following the death of Queen Victoria in January 1901, the Royal Family was in deep mourning. Consequently, the Royal Enclosure was closed, and racegoers wore black as a mark of respect.
King Edward VII did not attend the meeting, not only due to the official mourning period but also because he was suffering from appendicitis (which famously caused the postponement of his own coronation scheduled for later that summer).
Sandown July 18, 1902: The finish of the Eclipse Stakes. Cheers (Danny Maher) beats Rising Glass (G. McCall). Royal Lancer (Willie Lane) is back in third.
Liverpool July 1902: Willie, on the rails riding Fighting Furley, comes third behind winner Glasalt (Danny Maher) and Congratulation (Tom Dixon).
York August 1902: At the start for the Convivial Produce Stakes.
Mixed Powder (Danny Maher), which finished second, is on the left.
The winner, Blesilla (Sammy Loates), stands in the centre.
Kittiwake (Willie Lane), which was unplaced, is on the right.
Willie on Rock Sand
In 1902, Willie Lane rode 107 winners from 807 mounts.
Hurst Park October 1902
Newmarket October 1902
Newmarket 1903. Two Thousand Guineas. Willie on Countermark (second right) comes fourth behind Rock Sand (second left).
Epsom 1904. On a cloudless day, Robert le Diable (Willie Lane) wins the City & Suburban by three lengths from Dean Swift and Cerisier.
Robert le Diable, the winner, was bred in France. He started favourite for this race in 1903, but ran badly. The King attended the meeting, which was run in some of the most glorious weather of the summer.
Elba & Willie Lane beat the favourite, Mark Time, for the 1904 Great Metropolitan. Wilie won the City and Surburban the next day on Robert le Diable.
Mr P. Purcell Gilpin, trainer of Pretty Polly, and Willie Lane, who rode her to victory in the 1904 Oaks
Willie & Pretty Polly
Sandown August 1914. At the start for the Greenwood Handicap, won by Willie on Pollion. The race was named after a well-known sporting journalist who had recently died, Chas Greenwood, 'Hotspur' of the Daily Telegraph.
September 1904
Pretty Polly & Willie win the 1904 St Leger in record time.
Pretty Polly & Willie return victorious.
William's jockey brother, Joseph, was also badly hurt in a fall on the gallops.
William's jockey brother, Joseph, was also badly hurt in a fall on the gallops.
Death of Willie Lane
Death of Willie Lane
On 22nd June, 1920, while working on his garden at Tower House, Lingfield, Willie slipped and fell. He died five days later, leaving a widow (Clara Adela Lane) and two sons.
On 22nd June, 1920, while working on his garden at Tower House, Lingfield, Willie slipped and fell. He died five days later, leaving a widow (Clara Adela Lane) and two sons.
William left effects of £12,854 10s. 8d.
William left effects of £12,854 10s. 8d.
He was just 37 years of age.
He was just 37 years of age.
Following a funeral service at Liningfield Parish Church, he was buried on Thursday 31 July 1920.
During his six seasons in the saddle, Willie Lane rode 2,952 horses of which 520 won, 466 came second and 360 came third.
During his six seasons in the saddle, Willie Lane rode 2,952 horses of which 520 won, 466 came second and 360 came third.
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