Walter Mills
Walter Mills
Walter Mills
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
Walter Thomas Mills rode three winners under National Hunt rules in the early 1930s.
Walter Thomas Mills rode three winners under National Hunt rules in the early 1930s.
His first ride was at Plumpton on December 12, 1932, when he finished a well-beaten third on Misjudgement in the Beginners’ Hurdle. The ‘Beginners’ element of the race’s title referred to the riders rather than the horses, for it was confined to jockeys who had never ridden a winner. Ben Lay and the future Lord Mildmay were among those who finished behind Walter that day.
His first ride was at Plumpton on December 12, 1932, when he finished a well-beaten third on Misjudgement in the Beginners’ Hurdle. The ‘Beginners’ element of the race’s title referred to the riders rather than the horses, for it was confined to jockeys who had never ridden a winner. Ben Lay and the future Lord Mildmay were among those who finished behind Walter that day.
It was also at Plumpton, on February 13, 1933, that Walter had his first success when Croissant narrowly won the Four-Year-Old Hurdle. It was the gelding’s first race over jumps and he beat Blaze by a neck. The partnership finished fourth at Wye next time out, but then scored again when taking the Hopeful Hurdle back at Plumpton on March 16. This time the winning margin was two lengths.
It was also at Plumpton, on February 13, 1933, that Walter had his first success when Croissant narrowly won the Four-Year-Old Hurdle. It was the gelding’s first race over jumps and he beat Blaze by a neck. The partnership finished fourth at Wye next time out, but then scored again when taking the Hopeful Hurdle back at Plumpton on March 16. This time the winning margin was two lengths.
Walter’s last win was at Hawthorn Hill on November 1, 1933, when involved in another close finish, landing the Shottesbrook Novices’ Hurdle by a neck on Duncooler. On their next start, the pair finished third at Birmingham on November 28, after which Staff Ingham took over in the saddle.
Walter’s last win was at Hawthorn Hill on November 1, 1933, when involved in another close finish, landing the Shottesbrook Novices’ Hurdle by a neck on Duncooler. On their next start, the pair finished third at Birmingham on November 28, after which Staff Ingham took over in the saddle.
Walter’s final ride was at Cardiff on Easter Monday, April 13, 1936, when High Treason finished second in the Windsor Optional Selling Hurdle, beaten two lengths by Tommy Isaac on St. Mark.
Walter’s final ride was at Cardiff on Easter Monday, April 13, 1936, when High Treason finished second in the Windsor Optional Selling Hurdle, beaten two lengths by Tommy Isaac on St. Mark.
Walter's first winner