Earl of Minto
(1845 - 1914)
(1845 - 1914)
Gilbert John Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, the 4th Earl of Minto, was born in London on 9 July 1845.
Gilbert John Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, the 4th Earl of Minto, was born in London on 9 July 1845.
More familiarly known as Mr Rolly, he was a keen horseman whose exploits in the saddle - from 1869 to 1876 - included a win in the 1874 French Grand National on his own mare, Miss Hungerford, which he trained at Limber. Of the eighteen jockeys who rode in the race, all were professional except himself.
More familiarly known as Mr Rolly, he was a keen horseman whose exploits in the saddle - from 1869 to 1876 - included a win in the 1874 French Grand National on his own mare, Miss Hungerford, which he trained at Limber. Of the eighteen jockeys who rode in the race, all were professional except himself.
Miss Hungerford's best performance of, all, perhaps, came at Stratford-on-Avon when, in receipts of 7lbs. and ridden by Mr Rolly, she beat Congress, runner-up in the 1876 National and ridden by crack amateur E. P. Wison (who went on to win two Grand Nationals), over three and a half miles, his best distance.
Miss Hungerford's best performance of, all, perhaps, came at Stratford-on-Avon when, in receipts of 7lbs. and ridden by Mr Rolly, she beat Congress, runner-up in the 1876 National and ridden by crack amateur E. P. Wison (who went on to win two Grand Nationals), over three and a half miles, his best distance.
The mare was purposefully knocked over when competing in the 1875 Grand National: Mr Rolly had her away from the main field on the left-hand side of the course (to keep out of the crowd) when the Irish jockey, Fleming, on Sailor, deliberately charged into them, knocking the pair to the ground. Mr Rolly was always of the opinion that she would have won but for this.
The mare was purposefully knocked over when competing in the 1875 Grand National: Mr Rolly had her away from the main field on the left-hand side of the course (to keep out of the crowd) when the Irish jockey, Fleming, on Sailor, deliberately charged into them, knocking the pair to the ground. Mr Rolly was always of the opinion that she would have won but for this.
Mr Rolly had an even worse experience in the following year's race: riding Zero for his long time friendJohn Maunsell Richardson, he took a crashing fall at Valentine's Brook second time round and was badly injured. It was feared by the doctors who attended him that he had broken his neck; happily, this was not so.
Mr Rolly had an even worse experience in the following year's race: riding Zero for his long time friendJohn Maunsell Richardson, he took a crashing fall at Valentine's Brook second time round and was badly injured. It was feared by the doctors who attended him that he had broken his neck; happily, this was not so.
The closest Mr Rolly got to winning the race was in 1874 when he finished fourth on Defence. His fourth mount in the National came in 1877 when he rode Earl Marshall for Lord Downe.
The closest Mr Rolly got to winning the race was in 1874 when he finished fourth on Defence. His fourth mount in the National came in 1877 when he rode Earl Marshall for Lord Downe.
He was educated at Eton. On attending to receive his degree, he wore his racing silks under his academic gown. On conclusion of the graduation ceremony, he galloped ten miles to take part in the University Steeplechase, which he won.
He was educated at Eton. On attending to receive his degree, he wore his racing silks under his academic gown. On conclusion of the graduation ceremony, he galloped ten miles to take part in the University Steeplechase, which he won.
Gilbert John Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound - Mr Rolly - went on to serve as Governor-General of Canada.
Gilbert John Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound - Mr Rolly - went on to serve as Governor-General of Canada.
He was made a freeman of the city of Edinburgh in 1911.
He was made a freeman of the city of Edinburgh in 1911.
After a long illness, he died from Indian malaria fever on March 1, 1914, at Minto, Scotland. His funeral took place on Wednesday, March 3, at Minto Churchyard.
After a long illness, he died from Indian malaria fever on March 1, 1914, at Minto, Scotland. His funeral took place on Wednesday, March 3, at Minto Churchyard.