Fred Rees
1894 - 1951
1894 - 1951
The son of a Pembrokeshire veterinary surgeon, Welshman Frederick Brychan Rees (always known as Dick) was one of the greatest of the inter-war jockeys. He and his younger brother, Lewis Bilbie Rees grew up in a hunting and point-to-point atmosphere and before the First World War they both rode for Mr Harrison's Tenby stable. Bilbie inevitably suffered by comparison with Dick, but he was a fine rider in his own right. He won the 1922 Grand National on Music Hall and the 1928 Champion Hurdle on Brown Jack. In 1914, Dick enlisted in the Sussex Yeomanry, was commissioned into the Manchester Regiment and finally seconded to the Royal Flying Corps. On demobilisation, he rode as an amateur until 1920 when he turned professional.
The son of a Pembrokeshire veterinary surgeon, Welshman Frederick Brychan Rees (always known as Dick) was one of the greatest of the inter-war jockeys. He and his younger brother, Lewis Bilbie Rees grew up in a hunting and point-to-point atmosphere and before the First World War they both rode for Mr Harrison's Tenby stable. Bilbie inevitably suffered by comparison with Dick, but he was a fine rider in his own right. He won the 1922 Grand National on Music Hall and the 1928 Champion Hurdle on Brown Jack. In 1914, Dick enlisted in the Sussex Yeomanry, was commissioned into the Manchester Regiment and finally seconded to the Royal Flying Corps. On demobilisation, he rode as an amateur until 1920 when he turned professional.
Riding for trainer George Poole, he established himself with astonishing rapidity.
Riding for trainer George Poole, he established himself with astonishing rapidity.
Dick was the first to win 100 races in a National Hunt season (1924) and was champion five times between 1920 - 1927. In 1924, his total of 108 winners came from just 348 mounts.
Dick was the first to win 100 races in a National Hunt season (1924) and was champion five times between 1920 - 1927. In 1924, his total of 108 winners came from just 348 mounts.
Riding Red Splash, Dick, won the first ever Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1924 and repeated the win on Easter Hero in 1929.
Riding Red Splash, Dick, won the first ever Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1924 and repeated the win on Easter Hero in 1929.
Easter Hero was taken to Paris in 1928 to contest the Grand Steeplechase. Unfortunately, George had wined and dined perhaps a shade too much the evening before and allowed the horse to refuse at the water. Dick was shot over its head. Undaunted, Dick got up and, urgently in need of a pee, relieved himself in full view of the delighted spectators.
Easter Hero was taken to Paris in 1928 to contest the Grand Steeplechase. Unfortunately, George had wined and dined perhaps a shade too much the evening before and allowed the horse to refuse at the water. Dick was shot over its head. Undaunted, Dick got up and, urgently in need of a pee, relieved himself in full view of the delighted spectators.
He rode Shaun Spadah, the 1921 Grand National winner and won the 1929 Champion Hurdle on Royal Falcon.
He rode Shaun Spadah, the 1921 Grand National winner and won the 1929 Champion Hurdle on Royal Falcon.
Dick (F.B. Rees) was known for his sartorial elegance and style both in and out of the saddle.
Dick (F.B. Rees) was known for his sartorial elegance and style both in and out of the saddle.
A fearless jockey, he finally lost his nerve and retired.
A fearless jockey, he finally lost his nerve and retired.
Dick was born on 30 November, 1894. He died on August 14,1951, aged 56.
Dick was born on 30 November, 1894. He died on August 14,1951, aged 56.
Bilbie's nephew was Bill Rees, the jockey of crack two-miler Dunkirk.
Bilbie's nephew was Bill Rees, the jockey of crack two-miler Dunkirk.
Dick's father - Mr D. B. Rees - died aged 67 on April 8, 1947
Dick's father - Mr D. B. Rees - died aged 67 on April 8, 1947
1921: Grand National - Shaun Spadah
1921: Grand National - Shaun Spadah
1921: Grand Sefton - Norton
1921: Grand Sefton - Norton
1923: Becher Chase - Shaun Spadah
1923: Becher Chase - Shaun Spadah
1924: Becher Chase - Alcazar
1924: Becher Chase - Alcazar
1924: Cheltenham Gold Cup - Red Splash
1924: Cheltenham Gold Cup - Red Splash
1925: Becher Chaser - Silvo
1925: Becher Chaser - Silvo
1924: Victory Chase - Soothing Glass
1924: Victory Chase - Soothing Glass
1925: Grand Steeplechase de Paris - Silvo
1925: Grand Steeplechase de Paris - Silvo
1925: Imperial Cup - Scotch Pearl
1925: Imperial Cup - Scotch Pearl
1926: Victory Chase - Silvo
1926: Victory Chase - Silvo
1928: Cheltenham Gold Cup - Patron Saint
1928: Cheltenham Gold Cup - Patron Saint
1929: Cheltenham Gold Cup - Easter Hero
1929: Cheltenham Gold Cup - Easter Hero
1929: Champion Hurdle - Royal Falcon
1929: Champion Hurdle - Royal Falcon
