Bill Rickaby
1917 - 1987
1917 - 1987
William Anthony Rickaby was born on July 15 1917 and was the cousin of Lester Piggott.
William Anthony Rickaby was born on July 15 1917 and was the cousin of Lester Piggott.
In a career that spanned 37 years, he rode 1,324 winners in eight countries.
In a career that spanned 37 years, he rode 1,324 winners in eight countries.
His first winner had come on the grey Boldero at Sandown Park in October, 1931. Bill's elder brother, Fred, was engaged to ride the favourite, Blue Vision, in the race. Starting at 20/1 and in a slowly run affair, Boldero held on by a length. Bill got a great reception in the unsaddling enclosure by a racing crowd quick to applaud a lad riding his first winner.
His first winner had come on the grey Boldero at Sandown Park in October, 1931. Bill's elder brother, Fred, was engaged to ride the favourite, Blue Vision, in the race. Starting at 20/1 and in a slowly run affair, Boldero held on by a length. Bill got a great reception in the unsaddling enclosure by a racing crowd quick to applaud a lad riding his first winner.
He'd began as an apprentice to his uncle and top jockey Walter Griggs. On the death of Griggs (1935) his indentures were transferred to the Hon George Lambton for whom both his father and his grandfather had ridden.
He'd began as an apprentice to his uncle and top jockey Walter Griggs. On the death of Griggs (1935) his indentures were transferred to the Hon George Lambton for whom both his father and his grandfather had ridden.
Two days before the start of the 1933 season, sparks were flying over Walter's stable from a wood yard ablaze next door. The shock of it all gave Walter a heart attack, from which he died a few hours later.
Two days before the start of the 1933 season, sparks were flying over Walter's stable from a wood yard ablaze next door. The shock of it all gave Walter a heart attack, from which he died a few hours later.
Bill was somewhat overawed by the grandeur of Lambton's stables at Stanley House. Every evening the stables and horses were closely inspected and every lad had to wear a white jacket to show off his horse.
Bill was somewhat overawed by the grandeur of Lambton's stables at Stanley House. Every evening the stables and horses were closely inspected and every lad had to wear a white jacket to show off his horse.
By 1936, Bill was riding as lightweight jockey to Lambton, but then suddenly left to train for Sir Malcolm McCamont at Kremlin House: at the end of that season, Bill was told his contract would not be renewed. Bill, still an immature teenager was shocked at his sacking: Bill felt that he had let his parents down. He sat weeping in his car, trying to pluck up the courage to tell them.
By 1936, Bill was riding as lightweight jockey to Lambton, but then suddenly left to train for Sir Malcolm McCamont at Kremlin House: at the end of that season, Bill was told his contract would not be renewed. Bill, still an immature teenager was shocked at his sacking: Bill felt that he had let his parents down. He sat weeping in his car, trying to pluck up the courage to tell them.
He found out later that it was nothing to do with his jockeyship: Lambton had thought that Bill was a rather wild young man (which he was) who might have a bad influence on Lambton's son, Teddy.
He found out later that it was nothing to do with his jockeyship: Lambton had thought that Bill was a rather wild young man (which he was) who might have a bad influence on Lambton's son, Teddy.
Unexpectedly, he was offered three months' work in South Africa, which he jumped at. Bill had not been abroad before and, following his sacking, it came as a wonderful tonic. He picked up spare rides at Durban, Port Elizabeth and Capetown and returned to England refreshed.
Unexpectedly, he was offered three months' work in South Africa, which he jumped at. Bill had not been abroad before and, following his sacking, it came as a wonderful tonic. He picked up spare rides at Durban, Port Elizabeth and Capetown and returned to England refreshed.
In September 1939, three days after war was declared, Bill enlisted in the R.A. and, in 1942, was posted to the Middle East and saw service in North Africa. He was eventually demobilized with the rank of Major.
In September 1939, three days after war was declared, Bill enlisted in the R.A. and, in 1942, was posted to the Middle East and saw service in North Africa. He was eventually demobilized with the rank of Major.
He found it tough to re-establish himself at first; many new jockeys had emerged whilst he was away and it was due largely to the patronage that he received from the likes of Ted Leader that he was able to survive. By the end of 1946, his season's total was just 11 and, that November, flew out to India to improve his luck.
He found it tough to re-establish himself at first; many new jockeys had emerged whilst he was away and it was due largely to the patronage that he received from the likes of Ted Leader that he was able to survive. By the end of 1946, his season's total was just 11 and, that November, flew out to India to improve his luck.
Again he found it almost impossible to get rides - by Christmas Day he had ridden just four times.
Again he found it almost impossible to get rides - by Christmas Day he had ridden just four times.
Then his luck dramatically changed!
Then his luck dramatically changed!
Each Boxing Day, the Viceoy Cup was run, and Bill found himself riding an outsider, Selector, a half-brother to 1949 Epsom Oaks winner Musidora. At the time, the Viceroy was India's biggest race. Bill and Selector won comfortably: immediately offers of other rides flooded in and, by the time he left for England in the first week of March, he was the leading rider.
Each Boxing Day, the Viceoy Cup was run, and Bill found himself riding an outsider, Selector, a half-brother to 1949 Epsom Oaks winner Musidora. At the time, the Viceroy was India's biggest race. Bill and Selector won comfortably: immediately offers of other rides flooded in and, by the time he left for England in the first week of March, he was the leading rider.
1947 saw Bill accept a retainer to ride for Major Lionel Holliday (who had a reputation for being a difficult owner who dispensed with trainers and jockeys as like spent matches).
1947 saw Bill accept a retainer to ride for Major Lionel Holliday (who had a reputation for being a difficult owner who dispensed with trainers and jockeys as like spent matches).
Bill got in first - having been jocked-off Halliday's Netheron Maid - he informed the Major that he would not ride for him the following season.
Bill got in first - having been jocked-off Halliday's Netheron Maid - he informed the Major that he would not ride for him the following season.
In 1948, riding for Arthur Budgett, he landed an almighty gamble for the stable when winning the Lincoln on Commissar. In a record field of 58 runners, and drawn 17, Bill won by two lengths.
In 1948, riding for Arthur Budgett, he landed an almighty gamble for the stable when winning the Lincoln on Commissar. In a record field of 58 runners, and drawn 17, Bill won by two lengths.
In 1949 he became first jockey to Jack Jarvis and rode for him for the next eight years. It was then - after a disastrous Goodwood - that Jarvis approached him saying 'Lord Rosebery was not very pleased with you last week.'
In 1949 he became first jockey to Jack Jarvis and rode for him for the next eight years. It was then - after a disastrous Goodwood - that Jarvis approached him saying 'Lord Rosebery was not very pleased with you last week.'
Bill was sacked but still left on the best of terms with Jarvis.
Bill was sacked but still left on the best of terms with Jarvis.
In 1957 he rode for Harry Wragg before being retained by the McAlpine family between 1958 and 1962. Towards the end of his career he resumed riding for Jack Jarvis, though not as stable jockey.
In 1957 he rode for Harry Wragg before being retained by the McAlpine family between 1958 and 1962. Towards the end of his career he resumed riding for Jack Jarvis, though not as stable jockey.
His last winning ride came on Silver Spray at Newmarket on Saturday 21 September 1968.
His last winning ride came on Silver Spray at Newmarket on Saturday 21 September 1968.
There was little doubt that Sweet Solera was one of the best horses Bill rode. Bill had just arrived back from India (via the ski slopes of Switzerland) when trainer Reg Day got in contact, asking Bill down to his gallops. The next day, Reg pointed out a filly at exercise. 'I have fallen in love with her,' he said. 'She will make a very good filly later. She's called Sweet Solera and I want you to ride her.'
There was little doubt that Sweet Solera was one of the best horses Bill rode. Bill had just arrived back from India (via the ski slopes of Switzerland) when trainer Reg Day got in contact, asking Bill down to his gallops. The next day, Reg pointed out a filly at exercise. 'I have fallen in love with her,' he said. 'She will make a very good filly later. She's called Sweet Solera and I want you to ride her.'
Her first race was at Kempton in June: in a big field she was drawn on the far side and was beaten half a length. Bill thought she would have won had she been drawn in a lower stall. Then she went straight for the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot; her third there, despite a slow start, made good reading.
Her first race was at Kempton in June: in a big field she was drawn on the far side and was beaten half a length. Bill thought she would have won had she been drawn in a lower stall. Then she went straight for the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot; her third there, despite a slow start, made good reading.
The following season started with a win in the Guineas Trial at Kempton in April. Then she won the Thirsk Guineas Trial beating a very good colt in Henry The Seventh.
The following season started with a win in the Guineas Trial at Kempton in April. Then she won the Thirsk Guineas Trial beating a very good colt in Henry The Seventh.
In the One Thousand Guineas proper, Bill made his challenge going to the Dip and won going away.
In the One Thousand Guineas proper, Bill made his challenge going to the Dip and won going away.
It was the same story in the Oaks, after which Bill and Mr Day were sent for by the Queen. Staying for thirty minutes and drinking champagne, the three and other members of the royal family swapped stories about horse racing in Calcutta which the Queenand Prince Philip had previously visited.
It was the same story in the Oaks, after which Bill and Mr Day were sent for by the Queen. Staying for thirty minutes and drinking champagne, the three and other members of the royal family swapped stories about horse racing in Calcutta which the Queenand Prince Philip had previously visited.
Bill Rickaby died on Sunday, March 1 1987 leaving an estate valued at £289,695.
Bill Rickaby died on Sunday, March 1 1987 leaving an estate valued at £289,695.
Rickaby took up the post of assistant stipendiary steward to the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club but, in early 1970, was critically injured, receiving severe head injuries, when his car plunged over a cliff, and was forced to return home to England.
Rickaby took up the post of assistant stipendiary steward to the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club but, in early 1970, was critically injured, receiving severe head injuries, when his car plunged over a cliff, and was forced to return home to England.
In 1965 his elder daughter died of cancer.
In 1965 his elder daughter died of cancer.
Rickaby's autobiography 'First to Finish' was published in 1969. He modelled himself on his idol, Bernard Carslake.
Rickaby's autobiography 'First to Finish' was published in 1969. He modelled himself on his idol, Bernard Carslake.
Classic winners:
Classic winners:
Two Thousand Guineas: Privy Councillor (1962)
Two Thousand Guineas: Privy Councillor (1962)
One Thousand Guineas: Sweet Solera (1961)
One Thousand Guineas: Sweet Solera (1961)
Oaks: Sweet Solera (1961)
Oaks: Sweet Solera (1961)
Other big winners:
Other big winners:
1938: Yorkshire Cup – Suzerain
1938: Yorkshire Cup – Suzerain
1947: Solario Stakes- Panair
1947: Solario Stakes- Panair
1948: Lincolnshire Handicap – Commissar
1948: Lincolnshire Handicap – Commissar
1948: King’s Stand Stakes – Squander Bug
1948: King’s Stand Stakes – Squander Bug
1949: Dee Stakes – Father Thames
1949: Dee Stakes – Father Thames
1949: Yorkshire Cup – Woodburn
1949: Yorkshire Cup – Woodburn
1949: Yorkshire Oaks – Unknown Quantity
1949: Yorkshire Oaks – Unknown Quantity
1950: Great Jubilee Handicap – Peter Flower
1950: Great Jubilee Handicap – Peter Flower
1950: Hardwicke Stakes – Peter Flower
1950: Hardwicke Stakes – Peter Flower
1950: Gordon Stakes – Foxboro
1950: Gordon Stakes – Foxboro
1950: Great St Wilfrid Handicap – Starpoint
1950: Great St Wilfrid Handicap – Starpoint
1950: Champion Stakes – Peter Flower
1950: Champion Stakes – Peter Flower
1950: Midlands Cesarewitch – Father Thames
1950: Midlands Cesarewitch – Father Thames
1951: Dee Stakes – Sybil’s Nephew
1951: Dee Stakes – Sybil’s Nephew
1951: Norfolk Stakes – Bob Major
1951: Norfolk Stakes – Bob Major
1951: July Stakes – Bob Major
1951: July Stakes – Bob Major
1951: Imperial Stakes – Zabara
1951: Imperial Stakes – Zabara
1951: Jockey Club Cup – Eastern Emperor
1951: Jockey Club Cup – Eastern Emperor
1952: Shakespeare Stakes – Philanthrope
1952: Shakespeare Stakes – Philanthrope
1952: Manchester Cup – Sybil’s Nephew
1952: Manchester Cup – Sybil’s Nephew
1952: Yorkshire Cup – Eastern Emperor
1952: Yorkshire Cup – Eastern Emperor
1952: Molecomb Stakes – Tessa Gillian
1952: Molecomb Stakes – Tessa Gillian
1952: Jockey Club Cup – Blarney Stone
1952: Jockey Club Cup – Blarney Stone
1953: Cheshire Oaks – Brolly
1953: Cheshire Oaks – Brolly
1953: Chester Cup – Eastern Emperor
1953: Chester Cup – Eastern Emperor
1953: Dee Stakes – Victory Roll
1953: Dee Stakes – Victory Roll
1953: Winston Churchill Stakes – Eastern Emperor
1953: Winston Churchill Stakes – Eastern Emperor
1953: Coronation Stakes – Happy Laughter
1953: Coronation Stakes – Happy Laughter
1953: Ribblesdale Stakes – Skye
1953: Ribblesdale Stakes – Skye
1953: Falmouth Stakes – Happy Laughter
1953: Falmouth Stakes – Happy Laughter
1953: Princess Royal Stakes – Skye
1953: Princess Royal Stakes – Skye
1954: Fred Darling Stakes – Felise
1954: Fred Darling Stakes – Felise
1954: Greenham Stakes – Infatuation
1954: Greenham Stakes – Infatuation
1954: Ribblesdale Stakes – Sweet One
1954: Ribblesdale Stakes – Sweet One
1954: Wokingham Stakes – March Past
1954: Wokingham Stakes – March Past
1954: Goodwood Cup – Blarney Stone
1954: Goodwood Cup – Blarney Stone
1954: Great Voltigeur Stakes – Blue Sail
1954: Great Voltigeur Stakes – Blue Sail
1954: Cornwallis Stakes – Lark
1954: Cornwallis Stakes – Lark
1955: Cheshire Oaks – Lark
1955: Cheshire Oaks – Lark
1955: Sandown Classic Trial: Peter Aegus
1955: Sandown Classic Trial: Peter Aegus
1955: Chester Cup – Prescription
1955: Chester Cup – Prescription
1955: Cork and Orrery Stakes – Trouville
1955: Cork and Orrery Stakes – Trouville
1955: Stewards Cup – King Bruce
1955: Stewards Cup – King Bruce
1955: Richmond Stakes – Ratification
1955: Richmond Stakes – Ratification
1955: Jockey Club Cup – Romany Air
1955: Jockey Club Cup – Romany Air
1955: Horris Hill Stakes – Clarification
1955: Horris Hill Stakes – Clarification
1956: Warwickshire Breeders’ Foal Stakes – Colosseum
1956: Warwickshire Breeders’ Foal Stakes – Colosseum
1956: Yorkshire Cup – Romany Air
1956: Yorkshire Cup – Romany Air
1956: Falmouth Stakes – Following Breeze
1956: Falmouth Stakes – Following Breeze
1956: July Cup – Matador
1956: July Cup – Matador
1956: Jockey Club Cup – Donald
1956: Jockey Club Cup – Donald
1958: Thirsk Classic Trial – Pall Mall
1958: Thirsk Classic Trial – Pall Mall
1958: Greenham Stakes – Paresa
1958: Greenham Stakes – Paresa
1958: Queen Mary Stakes – A.20
1958: Queen Mary Stakes – A.20
1959: City of Birmingham Cup – Decree
1959: City of Birmingham Cup – Decree
1959: July Stakes – Sound Track
1959: July Stakes – Sound Track
1960: Cherry Hinton Stakes – Sweet Solera
1960: Cherry Hinton Stakes – Sweet Solera
1960: Midlands Cambridgeshire – Connaissance
1960: Midlands Cambridgeshire – Connaissance
1961: Thirsk Classic Trial – Sweet Solera
1961: Thirsk Classic Trial – Sweet Solera
1961: Festival Stakes – Marsolve
1961: Festival Stakes – Marsolve
1961: Warwickshire Breeders’ Foal Stakes – Zebra
1961: Warwickshire Breeders’ Foal Stakes – Zebra
1961: Cornwallis Stakes – Prince Tor
1961: Cornwallis Stakes – Prince Tor
1962: July Cup – Marsolve
1962: July Cup – Marsolve
1962: Falmouth Stakes – Tournella
1962: Falmouth Stakes – Tournella
1967: Eclipse Stakes – Busted
1967: Eclipse Stakes – Busted
In Ireland
In Ireland
1953: Irish Derby – Chamier
1953: Irish Derby – Chamier
1962: Irish Oaks – French Cream
1962: Irish Oaks – French Cream
