Duncan Robertson-Aikman
1867 -1920
1867 -1920
Born in New Parles, Leicestershire on July 26, 1867, amateur rider Duncan Forbes Robertson-Aikman was the son of Major Hugh Robertson-Aikman and Mary Aikman (nee Stokes). He rode 52 winners under National Hunt between 1889 and 1906.
Born in New Parles, Leicestershire on July 26, 1867, amateur rider Duncan Forbes Robertson-Aikman was the son of Major Hugh Robertson-Aikman and Mary Aikman (nee Stokes). He rode 52 winners under National Hunt between 1889 and 1906.
Raised in Marylebone, London, he joined the Royal Dragoons and soon began riding under NH rules in military races, finishing second on a horse named Spec at his first attempt in the Royal Dragoons Subalterns’ Cup at the Cavalry Brigade meeting at Aldershot on April 15, 1887.
Raised in Marylebone, London, he joined the Royal Dragoons and soon began riding under NH rules in military races, finishing second on a horse named Spec at his first attempt in the Royal Dragoons Subalterns’ Cup at the Cavalry Brigade meeting at Aldershot on April 15, 1887.
Having transferred from the Dragoons, he served as a lieutenant in the 13th Hussars Cavalry, residing in South Leith, Edinburgh. He rode his first two winners on the same afternoon at the 10th and 13th Hussars meeting at York on April 5, 1889, landing the 13th Hussars Subalterns’ Plate on Altha, followed by the 13th Hussars’ Hunters’ Stakes on Aristocrat.
Having transferred from the Dragoons, he served as a lieutenant in the 13th Hussars Cavalry, residing in South Leith, Edinburgh. He rode his first two winners on the same afternoon at the 10th and 13th Hussars meeting at York on April 5, 1889, landing the 13th Hussars Subalterns’ Plate on Altha, followed by the 13th Hussars’ Hunters’ Stakes on Aristocrat.
He enjoyed his most successful year in 1894 with 10 wins. They included a treble at Dumfriesshire Hunt on April 18, instigated by Hightae, who finished alone in the Tenant Farmers’ Chase after sole rival Fairy had run out. The treble was completed by Stream in the County Steeplechase and Holmwood in the Optional Selling Hurdle.
He enjoyed his most successful year in 1894 with 10 wins. They included a treble at Dumfriesshire Hunt on April 18, instigated by Hightae, who finished alone in the Tenant Farmers’ Chase after sole rival Fairy had run out. The treble was completed by Stream in the County Steeplechase and Holmwood in the Optional Selling Hurdle.
Duncan had one ride in the National Hunt Chase in 1896, run that year at Hurst Park, trailing in last of the ten finishers on Merryman. He rode six winners in 1897, and seven in both 1898 and 1899.
Duncan had one ride in the National Hunt Chase in 1896, run that year at Hurst Park, trailing in last of the ten finishers on Merryman. He rode six winners in 1897, and seven in both 1898 and 1899.
His victories in 1899 included three selling chases within a month on Crown Point, scoring at Shincliffe in March, then at Linlithgow and Dunbar in April. Other wins during the month of April were gained on selling hurdler Harry Watkins at Hamilton Park and the Farmers’ Chase at Grindon on Little Jim.
His victories in 1899 included three selling chases within a month on Crown Point, scoring at Shincliffe in March, then at Linlithgow and Dunbar in April. Other wins during the month of April were gained on selling hurdler Harry Watkins at Hamilton Park and the Farmers’ Chase at Grindon on Little Jim.
On May 31, 1903, by which time he had left the Hussars, Duncan married Susan Evelyn Knight.
On May 31, 1903, by which time he had left the Hussars, Duncan married Susan Evelyn Knight.
He rode his last winner aboard the 8-1 on favourite Ashton, a 10-length winner of the Past and Present National Hunt Flat race at Dunbar on March 22, 1906. He appeared for the final time when pulling up his mount Spinado in the Kinnoull Maiden National Hunt Flat Race at Perth on September 23, 1908.
He rode his last winner aboard the 8-1 on favourite Ashton, a 10-length winner of the Past and Present National Hunt Flat race at Dunbar on March 22, 1906. He appeared for the final time when pulling up his mount Spinado in the Kinnoull Maiden National Hunt Flat Race at Perth on September 23, 1908.
In his later years, Duncan Robertson-Aikman lived at Nightingale Farm, Fernham, near Farringdon, Berkshire. He died on December 7, 1920, aged 53, leaving an estate of £9,358 22s 4d.
In his later years, Duncan Robertson-Aikman lived at Nightingale Farm, Fernham, near Farringdon, Berkshire. He died on December 7, 1920, aged 53, leaving an estate of £9,358 22s 4d.
