Rollie Manser

1889-1950

Article by Alan Trout

Rollie Manser was the youngest of four brothers – the others being George, Jack and Charles – who rode for many years in Britain and in many foreign countries. Unlike his brothers, he rode no winners in Britain but, like them, enjoyed success elsewhere.

Rowland Thomas Manser was born on January 9, 1889. He was apprenticed to his father, William Henry Manser, who trained a host of winners under both Flat and National Hunt rules from his Newmarket stables.

Rollie’s first ride was on an unnamed two-year-old filly out of Molly Shipton in the All-aged Selling Plate at Newmarket on May 1, 1906, finishing sixth of the ten runners.

Although he had a fair few rides each season, he failed to ride a winner. His final mount was on another unnamed two-year-old, a colt by Minster out of Poland, again at Newmarket, finishing unplaced in the Maiden (at closing) Two-Year-Old Plate on September 15, 1915.

Rollie Manser died on October 19, 1950, aged 61.