Albert Richardson

1895-1967

Albert William Richardson was born at 36, Leigh Street, Macclesfield, Cheshire, on December 2, 1895. An orphan, he became apprenticed to Dobson Peacock at Middleham. He was small even by jockey standards; consequently, he became known as ‘Midge’, a nickname which he carried throughout his life.

He had his first ride in public at Thirsk on May 2, 1913, finishing unplaced on Spanish Pearl in the Hambleton Handicap. His first winner was Miss Bay, trained by Dobson Peacock, in the Auchincruive Handicap at Ayr on August 9, 1913.

Able to go to the scales at less than 7 stone, he was in great demand for the big handicaps. Those won included the 1934 Ascot Stakes (Hands Off), 1946 Stewards’ Cup (Commissar), 1936 Ayr Gold Cup (Marmaduke Jinks), 1932 Cambridgeshire (Pullover), 1936 Cesarewitch (Fet) and the 1932 Manchester November Handicap (Hypostyle).

Albert spent a few seasons in the 1920s riding in Egypt. On his return, he set up as a trainer at East Hendred. His first winner as a trainer was Deuces Wild at Newbury on August 19, 1949. However, the venture was not a success and, four years later, still weighing next to nothing, he resumed his riding career.

After finally retiring from the saddle in 1956, he took a job in London, working as a messenger at the Treasury in Whitehall.

Albert Richardson died in Paddington General Hospital on June 10, 1967, aged 71.

Major wins:

1931: Manchester Cup – Redeswood (dead-heat) 

1932: Cambridgeshire – Pullover 

1932: Manchester November Handicap – Hypostyle  

1934: Ascot Stakes – Hands Off  

1934: Derby Cup – Blank 

1935: Rosebery Stakes – Penny Hill

1935: Derby Cup – Sir Calidore 

1936: Ayr Gold Cup – Marmaduke Jinks 

1936: Cesarewitch – Fet 

1937: Cambridgeshire – Artist’s Prince 

1937: Hwfa Williams Memorial Handicap – Correa  

1938: Newbury Summer Cup – Black Speck 

1946: Stewards’ Cup – Commissar