Victor Mitchell
1919 - 1996
1919 - 1996
Victor John Mitchell, born at Ayr on July 14, 1919, won the last Lincoln Handicap before the war. Riding the six-year-old, 40/1 shot, Squadron Castle, Victor took up the running inside the last furlong for a comfortable win.
Victor John Mitchell, born at Ayr on July 14, 1919, won the last Lincoln Handicap before the war. Riding the six-year-old, 40/1 shot, Squadron Castle, Victor took up the running inside the last furlong for a comfortable win.
He had served his apprenticeship with George Richard Digby who not only sent out horses from his Harraton stables but also owned the Harraton Stud at Exning, Newmarket.
He had served his apprenticeship with George Richard Digby who not only sent out horses from his Harraton stables but also owned the Harraton Stud at Exning, Newmarket.
Victor was with him from October 1933 to October 1939.
Victor was with him from October 1933 to October 1939.
Victor served with the R.A.F. during the war as a wireless operator in which, for the last three years, he was a P.O.W. after being shot down over Germany.
Victor served with the R.A.F. during the war as a wireless operator in which, for the last three years, he was a P.O.W. after being shot down over Germany.
When hostilities were over, he went to India for three years and rode 21 winners in Madras in 1948.
When hostilities were over, he went to India for three years and rode 21 winners in Madras in 1948.
Before leaving for India, he married Helena Day on January 12, 1946. They had a son, Andrew Walter.
Before leaving for India, he married Helena Day on January 12, 1946. They had a son, Andrew Walter.
Victor was back in the saddle in England in June, 1949, taking the mount on Misty Line at Birmingham.
Victor was back in the saddle in England in June, 1949, taking the mount on Misty Line at Birmingham.
He continued riding until 1963.
He continued riding until 1963.
On 1 April, 1964, he took out a trainer's licence. He operated from Wiseton Stables, Bawtry, Doncaster
On 1 April, 1964, he took out a trainer's licence. He operated from Wiseton Stables, Bawtry, Doncaster
His worst year came in 1974 when all twelve of his horses were knocked out by a virus. He didn't saddle a winner until October 18 when Weeny Bopper, ridden by Eric Eldin, finally got him off the mark at Catterick. Starting at 25/1, it sneaked home by a short head.
His worst year came in 1974 when all twelve of his horses were knocked out by a virus. He didn't saddle a winner until October 18 when Weeny Bopper, ridden by Eric Eldin, finally got him off the mark at Catterick. Starting at 25/1, it sneaked home by a short head.
The filly had ran a good race at Wolverhampton the month before and Victor fancied it strongly.
The filly had ran a good race at Wolverhampton the month before and Victor fancied it strongly.
After the race he said: 'At last my horses appear to be coming good. It would happen just as the end of the season is round the corner.'
After the race he said: 'At last my horses appear to be coming good. It would happen just as the end of the season is round the corner.'
He failed to renew his trainer's licence in 1983.
He failed to renew his trainer's licence in 1983.
Away from racing, his interests were boxing and football.
Away from racing, his interests were boxing and football.
His father was prominent in Scottish trotting. After moving from Ayr to Glasgow, he spent his time at a riding school
His father was prominent in Scottish trotting. After moving from Ayr to Glasgow, he spent his time at a riding school
Victor died at York Hospital on March 10, 1996, aged 76.
Victor died at York Hospital on March 10, 1996, aged 76.