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David Robertson
David Robertson
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
David Robertson was a successful apprentice jockey with 25 winners to his name between 1947 and 1951. He later rode two more over jumps in the mid-1950s.
David Robertson was a successful apprentice jockey with 25 winners to his name between 1947 and 1951. He later rode two more over jumps in the mid-1950s.
He was apprenticed to former leading lightweight jockey Willie Stephenson, who was based at Royston and just embarking on a training career that would see him win the Derby, the Grand National and three Champion Hurdles with the great Sir Ken. David rode his first winner on 4/1 chance Lucky Val in the Apprentices’ Handicap at Salisbury on April 9, 1947, beating Solrelle by three lengths.
He was apprenticed to former leading lightweight jockey Willie Stephenson, who was based at Royston and just embarking on a training career that would see him win the Derby, the Grand National and three Champion Hurdles with the great Sir Ken. David rode his first winner on 4/1 chance Lucky Val in the Apprentices’ Handicap at Salisbury on April 9, 1947, beating Solrelle by three lengths.
He enjoyed his most successful seasons in 1948 and 1951 with seven winners in each. He was in ever-increasing demand during that time, having 45 mounts in 1949, 68 in 1950 and 92 in 1951.
He enjoyed his most successful seasons in 1948 and 1951 with seven winners in each. He was in ever-increasing demand during that time, having 45 mounts in 1949, 68 in 1950 and 92 in 1951.
His last success on the Flat was at Birmingham on September 3, 1951, when Cockfosters drew clear in the final furlong and beat Joe Marshall’s mount Boom Town by five lengths in the Colmore Row Selling Plate for two-year-olds. Cockfosters belonged to Sir Ken’s owner, Maurice Kingsley, and was trained by William Bellerby at Malton.
His last success on the Flat was at Birmingham on September 3, 1951, when Cockfosters drew clear in the final furlong and beat Joe Marshall’s mount Boom Town by five lengths in the Colmore Row Selling Plate for two-year-olds. Cockfosters belonged to Sir Ken’s owner, Maurice Kingsley, and was trained by William Bellerby at Malton.
Having completed his apprenticeship, David held a Flat jockey’s licence for two years in the mid-1950s and also had a brief two-season stint riding over hurdles. His first ride under National Hunt rules was at Huntingdon on October 16, 1954, when Kelek was unplaced in the Montagu Handicap Hurdle.
Having completed his apprenticeship, David held a Flat jockey’s licence for two years in the mid-1950s and also had a brief two-season stint riding over hurdles. His first ride under National Hunt rules was at Huntingdon on October 16, 1954, when Kelek was unplaced in the Montagu Handicap Hurdle.
His first victory over jumps came at Towcester on May 28, 1955, when Kilballyown, owned and trained by Eric Cousins, landed the Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2). It was David’s first ride on the eight-year-old who was usually partnered by his owner/trainer.
His first victory over jumps came at Towcester on May 28, 1955, when Kilballyown, owned and trained by Eric Cousins, landed the Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2). It was David’s first ride on the eight-year-old who was usually partnered by his owner/trainer.
Willie Stephenson trained David’s last winner, Frisky Admiral, a comfortable winner of the Tiffield Three-Year-Old Hurdle, also at Towcester, on November 12, 1955. Champion jockey Tim Molony rode Frisky Admiral next time he ran, and won, but David had one more chance on him, at Market Rasen on Boxing Day 1955, but they could finish only fourth.
Willie Stephenson trained David’s last winner, Frisky Admiral, a comfortable winner of the Tiffield Three-Year-Old Hurdle, also at Towcester, on November 12, 1955. Champion jockey Tim Molony rode Frisky Admiral next time he ran, and won, but David had one more chance on him, at Market Rasen on Boxing Day 1955, but they could finish only fourth.
His final ride was Midasair, unplaced in the Ramsey Hurdle at Huntingdon on Whit Monday, May 21, 1956.
His final ride was Midasair, unplaced in the Ramsey Hurdle at Huntingdon on Whit Monday, May 21, 1956.
David's final winner on the Flat
David's final N.H. winner
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