Albert Richardson
1895 - 1967
1895 - 1967
Albert William Richardson was born at 36, Leigh Street, Macclesfield, Cheshire, on December 2, 1895.
Albert William Richardson was born at 36, Leigh Street, Macclesfield, Cheshire, on December 2, 1895.
An orphan, he was 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.
An orphan, he was 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.
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).
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, but the venture was not a success and, four years later, still weighing next to nothing, he resumed his riding career.
Albert spent a few seasons in the 1920s riding in Egypt: on his return, he set up as a trainer at East Hendred, but 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.
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
Albert Richardson died in Paddington General Hospital on June 10, 1967, aged 71
His first winner was Miss Bay, Ayr, August 9, 1913.
His first winner was Miss Bay, Ayr, August 9, 1913.
He had his first ride in public at Thirsk in 1913,
He had his first ride in public at Thirsk in 1913,
His first winner as a trainer was Deuces Wild at Newbury August 19 1949.
His first winner as a trainer was Deuces Wild at Newbury August 19 1949.