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1858 - 1881
1858 - 1881
Newcastle-born Willie Ferguson Macdonald, the son of a tailor, was apprenticed initially to James Watson at Belleisle, Yorkshire, before - after three years - joining J. R. Humphreys at Lambourn.
Newcastle-born Willie Ferguson Macdonald, the son of a tailor, was apprenticed initially to James Watson at Belleisle, Yorkshire, before - after three years - joining J. R. Humphreys at Lambourn.
He rode his first winner, Tetrarch, at Sandown on April 27, 1876.
He rode his first winner, Tetrarch, at Sandown on April 27, 1876.
Tragedy struck on Thursday, November 10 in the 1881 Liverpool Cup: he was kicked in the head when two horses fell and rushed to the Sefton Arms. He was examined by Dr Bickersteth who was of the opinion the William was injured at the base of his skull. Dr Anderson remained with him throughout the night.
Tragedy struck on Thursday, November 10 in the 1881 Liverpool Cup: he was kicked in the head when two horses fell and rushed to the Sefton Arms. He was examined by Dr Bickersteth who was of the opinion the William was injured at the base of his skull. Dr Anderson remained with him throughout the night.
Aged just 23, William died at 5.30 the following evening. He was buried at Newmarket.
Aged just 23, William died at 5.30 the following evening. He was buried at Newmarket.
His brother James (1856 - 1888) was also a jockey.
His brother James (1856 - 1888) was also a jockey.
William won the Cesarewitch twice: Chippendale (1879) & Foxhall (1881). He also won the 1877 Ayr Gold Cup on Ivy.
William won the Cesarewitch twice: Chippendale (1879) & Foxhall (1881). He also won the 1877 Ayr Gold Cup on Ivy.
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