Albert Robson
1942 - 1995
1942 - 1995
Albert George Robson was born in Richmond, Yorkshire, on July 11, 1942, and lived for a time at 1, Whitcliffe Place, Richmond.
Albert George Robson was born in Richmond, Yorkshire, on July 11, 1942, and lived for a time at 1, Whitcliffe Place, Richmond.
He served his apprenticeship with Harry Peacock and Buster Fenningworth, spending three years with each.
He served his apprenticeship with Harry Peacock and Buster Fenningworth, spending three years with each.
Albert's first 'winner' was Ilkhani of Gilan, who passed the post first at Catterick on July 17, 1961; unfortunately for Albert, he lost the race on an objection. His next winner was Ditched. who won at Hamilton Park, July 4, 1962.
Albert's first 'winner' was Ilkhani of Gilan, who passed the post first at Catterick on July 17, 1961; unfortunately for Albert, he lost the race on an objection. His next winner was Ditched. who won at Hamilton Park, July 4, 1962.
Albert (nicknamed 'Brig') was retained for a time by Tommy Fairhurst, and, in his best season, 1965, rode 46 winners.
Albert (nicknamed 'Brig') was retained for a time by Tommy Fairhurst, and, in his best season, 1965, rode 46 winners.
Albert won the Ripon Champion Two-Year-Old Trophy, the Double Diamond Stakes and the Bogside Cup.
Albert won the Ripon Champion Two-Year-Old Trophy, the Double Diamond Stakes and the Bogside Cup.
Albert 'Brig' Robson was stable jockey to trainer Buster Fenningworth at Hurgill Lodge, Richmond.
Albert 'Brig' Robson was stable jockey to trainer Buster Fenningworth at Hurgill Lodge, Richmond.
On their way to a Scottish meeting on April 22, 1967, they were involved in a car crash. Fenningworth was killed outright - Albert was seriously injured. He sustained six broken ribs and a spinal injury. A third person in the car, apprentice William Blenkinsop, was very badly hurt.
On their way to a Scottish meeting on April 22, 1967, they were involved in a car crash. Fenningworth was killed outright - Albert was seriously injured. He sustained six broken ribs and a spinal injury. A third person in the car, apprentice William Blenkinsop, was very badly hurt.
Harry Peacock took over the stable on a temporary basis until Walter Wharton took over on a permanent basis in 1968. Albert took a long time to recover, and Walter kept his job open for him.
Harry Peacock took over the stable on a temporary basis until Walter Wharton took over on a permanent basis in 1968. Albert took a long time to recover, and Walter kept his job open for him.
However, Walter found it difficult to get on with Albert, who liked a drink and, whilst under the influence, would often let slip a stable secret.
However, Walter found it difficult to get on with Albert, who liked a drink and, whilst under the influence, would often let slip a stable secret.
The highlight of his career was riding Anselmo in the 1964 Irish Derby.
The highlight of his career was riding Anselmo in the 1964 Irish Derby.
Away from racing, he enjoyed snooker, fishing and golf.
Away from racing, he enjoyed snooker, fishing and golf.
On October 25, 1995, Albert's brother, Keith, called at his home to see him. Sadly, Albert, aged 53, passed away in his brother's arms later that day (cause of death hematemesis - liver disease).
On October 25, 1995, Albert's brother, Keith, called at his home to see him. Sadly, Albert, aged 53, passed away in his brother's arms later that day (cause of death hematemesis - liver disease).
Big winners:
Big winners:
1964: Champion Two-Year-Old Trophy – Never A Fear
1964: Champion Two-Year-Old Trophy – Never A Fear
1966: Thirsk Hunt Cup – Kentra
1966: Thirsk Hunt Cup – Kentra
1967: Bogside Cup – Forthwith
1967: Bogside Cup – Forthwith
1969: Cumberland Plate – Future Fame
1969: Cumberland Plate – Future Fame