Gordon Richards
1904 - 1986
1904 - 1986
Born on May 5 1904, Gordon lived at Ivy Road, Donnington Wood, Telford, and was the fourth eldest of eight surviving children; another four died.
Born on May 5 1904, Gordon lived at Ivy Road, Donnington Wood, Telford, and was the fourth eldest of eight surviving children; another four died.
Gordon's father, Nathan, was a miner; his mother, with incredible foresight, bought four acres of land in the Oaken Lane district upon which she had three houses built. These became known as Numbers 1, 2 and 3 The Limes, Wrockwardine: Gordon's family moved into Number 1 whilst the other two were rented out.
Gordon's father, Nathan, was a miner; his mother, with incredible foresight, bought four acres of land in the Oaken Lane district upon which she had three houses built. These became known as Numbers 1, 2 and 3 The Limes, Wrockwardine: Gordon's family moved into Number 1 whilst the other two were rented out.
Gordon's parents were not wealthy: everything his mother built and achieved was done on credit, putting a great strain on them meeting repayments.
Gordon's parents were not wealthy: everything his mother built and achieved was done on credit, putting a great strain on them meeting repayments.
There was little money for food and the children got breakfast at Donnington Wood Infant School and a small dinner supplied by voluntary workers at the Baptist Chapel.
There was little money for food and the children got breakfast at Donnington Wood Infant School and a small dinner supplied by voluntary workers at the Baptist Chapel.
Stables were later added to the site and six ponies were bought. Aged seven, Gordon was able to drive a trap and help look after them.
Stables were later added to the site and six ponies were bought. Aged seven, Gordon was able to drive a trap and help look after them.
He left school at 13 and, his mother refusing to allowing him to work in the mines, found work at the warehouse of Lilleshall Engineering works at nearby St. George's. He would ride to work on his pony, turn it loose during the day, then ride it back home.
He left school at 13 and, his mother refusing to allowing him to work in the mines, found work at the warehouse of Lilleshall Engineering works at nearby St. George's. He would ride to work on his pony, turn it loose during the day, then ride it back home.
A man working at Lilleshall used to make a book and Gordon would bet with him. It was his first connection with racing and turned his thoughts towards becoming a jockey.
A man working at Lilleshall used to make a book and Gordon would bet with him. It was his first connection with racing and turned his thoughts towards becoming a jockey.
He wrote a letter to a local trainer asking for an interview; it was unanswered. Then he saw an advert in a paper for stable boys inserted by Mr Martin Hartigan, from Foxhill, who was the private trainer to a Mr Jimmy White. Again he wrote off; this time he was offered a month's trial.
He wrote a letter to a local trainer asking for an interview; it was unanswered. Then he saw an advert in a paper for stable boys inserted by Mr Martin Hartigan, from Foxhill, who was the private trainer to a Mr Jimmy White. Again he wrote off; this time he was offered a month's trial.
His parents both agreed that he should take the trial so, on New Year's Day, 1920, aged just 15, he walked with his father the two and a half miles to Oaken Gates Station.
His parents both agreed that he should take the trial so, on New Year's Day, 1920, aged just 15, he walked with his father the two and a half miles to Oaken Gates Station.
Nathan Richards waved his son off.
Nathan Richards waved his son off.
Gordon was picked up at Swindon Station and driven to trainer Jimmy White's Foxhill stables.
Gordon was picked up at Swindon Station and driven to trainer Jimmy White's Foxhill stables.
He was put under the guidance of stableman Paddy Gilligan and, after a few weeks, was given his own horse to look after, a filly called My Motto.
He was put under the guidance of stableman Paddy Gilligan and, after a few weeks, was given his own horse to look after, a filly called My Motto.
In the last week of that season, he was given his first ride in public at Lingfield. He rode Clockwork in a big field, finishing fourth.
In the last week of that season, he was given his first ride in public at Lingfield. He rode Clockwork in a big field, finishing fourth.
His second ride came in the next year's Lincoln, riding Contractor, who was unplaced.
His second ride came in the next year's Lincoln, riding Contractor, who was unplaced.
Then he was given the mount on Gay Lord at a Leicester Tuesday meeting.
Then he was given the mount on Gay Lord at a Leicester Tuesday meeting.
There were no horse boxes in those days so he walked the horse the five miles to Shrivenham Station and boarded the train. Getting off at Town Station, he had another three miles to walk to Leicester Racecourse. It was all worth it, Gay Lord winning by six lengths.
There were no horse boxes in those days so he walked the horse the five miles to Shrivenham Station and boarded the train. Getting off at Town Station, he had another three miles to walk to Leicester Racecourse. It was all worth it, Gay Lord winning by six lengths.
Three weeks later, he had two mounts at Lewes, Spiral Spin and John Charles. Both won by a neck, and Gordon was on his way.
Three weeks later, he had two mounts at Lewes, Spiral Spin and John Charles. Both won by a neck, and Gordon was on his way.
Then Martin Hartigan's brother, Paddy, who trained at Ogbourne, was killed in an accident at Liverpool. Martin left Foxhill to take over. He took six of Mr White's horses with him. He also took young Gordon.
Then Martin Hartigan's brother, Paddy, who trained at Ogbourne, was killed in an accident at Liverpool. Martin left Foxhill to take over. He took six of Mr White's horses with him. He also took young Gordon.
In 1923, having ridden 50 winners, Gordon lost his five pounds allowance. Having started in 1920 weighing four stone ten, he then weighed just over six stone. He was then offered, and accepted, a retainer to ride as first jockey for Captain Tommy Hogg.
In 1923, having ridden 50 winners, Gordon lost his five pounds allowance. Having started in 1920 weighing four stone ten, he then weighed just over six stone. He was then offered, and accepted, a retainer to ride as first jockey for Captain Tommy Hogg.
Coming out of his apprenticeship, he had ridden 114 winners.
Coming out of his apprenticeship, he had ridden 114 winners.
In his first year as a fully-fledged jockey he rode 118 winners and, for the first of many times, became Champion: in contrast, his second year as a proper jockey, 1926, was, healthwise, a disaster. His appendix was removed in February, then - riding in a snowstorm in March at Lincoln - he suffered an attack of pleurisy. He was then beaten on a hot favourite, Vermillion Pencil, at Chester and was sent to Mr Hartigan's brother, Dr. John Hartigan, at Cardiff. He was X-rayed and a patch was discovered on his lung. He was sent to a sanatorium at Mundesley in Norfolk where he remained from May until just before Christmas.
In his first year as a fully-fledged jockey he rode 118 winners and, for the first of many times, became Champion: in contrast, his second year as a proper jockey, 1926, was, healthwise, a disaster. His appendix was removed in February, then - riding in a snowstorm in March at Lincoln - he suffered an attack of pleurisy. He was then beaten on a hot favourite, Vermillion Pencil, at Chester and was sent to Mr Hartigan's brother, Dr. John Hartigan, at Cardiff. He was X-rayed and a patch was discovered on his lung. He was sent to a sanatorium at Mundesley in Norfolk where he remained from May until just before Christmas.
He was fit for the start of the 1927 season, and won on his third ride back, Adrastus. On dismounting, he was handed a telegram saying that his mother was gravely ill. He immediately rushed home, but she died shortly before he arrived.
He was fit for the start of the 1927 season, and won on his third ride back, Adrastus. On dismounting, he was handed a telegram saying that his mother was gravely ill. He immediately rushed home, but she died shortly before he arrived.
Gordon went on to ride 164 winners and, Champion for the second time, it was suggested that he take a winter break in Switzerland; he did so and, whilst there, met his future wife, Margery Winckle, who came from Swindon.
Gordon went on to ride 164 winners and, Champion for the second time, it was suggested that he take a winter break in Switzerland; he did so and, whilst there, met his future wife, Margery Winckle, who came from Swindon.
Oddly, they chose to marry in secret. Not even their families knew about it as they exchanged vows in 1928 in Gerrards Cross.
Oddly, they chose to marry in secret. Not even their families knew about it as they exchanged vows in 1928 in Gerrards Cross.
That season, he began to ride occasionally for Fred Darling of Beckhampton; one of the great horses in that stable was Tiffin, one of the fastest fillies of all time. He won five times on her that year, including the Cheveley Park and the Produce Stakes at Sandown.
That season, he began to ride occasionally for Fred Darling of Beckhampton; one of the great horses in that stable was Tiffin, one of the fastest fillies of all time. He won five times on her that year, including the Cheveley Park and the Produce Stakes at Sandown.
That Autumn he was approached by Fred Darling who wanted him as his first jockey for 1929, but Gordon chose instead to ride for Lord Glanely. It was a good choice: Gordon was Champion again with 135 winners while Freddy Fox, who had become number one jockey for Fred Darling, rode 116.
That Autumn he was approached by Fred Darling who wanted him as his first jockey for 1929, but Gordon chose instead to ride for Lord Glanely. It was a good choice: Gordon was Champion again with 135 winners while Freddy Fox, who had become number one jockey for Fred Darling, rode 116.
Gordon rode the first of his fourteen classic winners when Rose of England won that year's Oaks; he also won that year's St Leger on Singapore, but lost the Championship by one to Freddy Fox who rode 129 winners against Gordon's 128.
Gordon rode the first of his fourteen classic winners when Rose of England won that year's Oaks; he also won that year's St Leger on Singapore, but lost the Championship by one to Freddy Fox who rode 129 winners against Gordon's 128.
After a disagreement with Lord Glanely about his contract (Lord Glanely wanted Gordon to renew it on less favourable terms), Gordon moved in 1931 to Beckhampton as Fred Darling's first jockey. He was to remain there for 16 years.
After a disagreement with Lord Glanely about his contract (Lord Glanely wanted Gordon to renew it on less favourable terms), Gordon moved in 1931 to Beckhampton as Fred Darling's first jockey. He was to remain there for 16 years.
Gordon Richards unhesitatingly described Fred Darling as a genius. Darling had no time for either horse or man whom he regarded as not first class: the horse would be got rid of, the man sacked.
Gordon Richards unhesitatingly described Fred Darling as a genius. Darling had no time for either horse or man whom he regarded as not first class: the horse would be got rid of, the man sacked.
His Head Lad, Templeton, who had been with Darling for many years, was unceremoniously sacked following a minor indiscretion: Templeman, who had lived for Beckampton and its horses, died shortly after: Gordon always believed that the poor man had died from a broken heart.
His Head Lad, Templeton, who had been with Darling for many years, was unceremoniously sacked following a minor indiscretion: Templeman, who had lived for Beckampton and its horses, died shortly after: Gordon always believed that the poor man had died from a broken heart.
The trainer had no friendships with the people who worked for him and preferred them not to have friendships with each other either.
The trainer had no friendships with the people who worked for him and preferred them not to have friendships with each other either.
He was of diminutive stature, not much taller than Gordon, with a sharp nose and thin lips. His staff adored him. They knew that, no matter how good they were, Fred Darling could do everything as well as they could, and usually very much better.
He was of diminutive stature, not much taller than Gordon, with a sharp nose and thin lips. His staff adored him. They knew that, no matter how good they were, Fred Darling could do everything as well as they could, and usually very much better.
Gordon rode out for him every Wednesday and Saturday and 1932, their first season together, started brilliantly with eight winners in the first nine days. Gordon went on to win 190 races that year.
Gordon rode out for him every Wednesday and Saturday and 1932, their first season together, started brilliantly with eight winners in the first nine days. Gordon went on to win 190 races that year.
The following season was memorable for Gordon beating Fred Archer's long-standing record (48 years) of winners in a season (246).
The following season was memorable for Gordon beating Fred Archer's long-standing record (48 years) of winners in a season (246).
He beat Archer's total on Golden King at Liverpool, cantering home an easy winner: by an eerie coincidence, this occurred on the exact anniversary of the great jockey's tragic death.
He beat Archer's total on Golden King at Liverpool, cantering home an easy winner: by an eerie coincidence, this occurred on the exact anniversary of the great jockey's tragic death.
He became champion jockey for the eighth time, riding 212 winners which included Felicitation, his first Ascot Gold Cup winner. 1934 was also the year he rode an incredible 11 consecutive winners.
He became champion jockey for the eighth time, riding 212 winners which included Felicitation, his first Ascot Gold Cup winner. 1934 was also the year he rode an incredible 11 consecutive winners.
His wonderful form continued and, by the outbreak of war, he'd won the 1938 2,000 Guineas on Pasch and a second St Leger in 1937 on Chumleigh.
His wonderful form continued and, by the outbreak of war, he'd won the 1938 2,000 Guineas on Pasch and a second St Leger in 1937 on Chumleigh.
As the 1939 season ended, Gordon went up to London and volunteered for the Royal Air Service. Because of his size, they would not look at him; so, with Lord Astor's second son, J. J. Astor, he went to the War Office, but the Army would not consider him either.
As the 1939 season ended, Gordon went up to London and volunteered for the Royal Air Service. Because of his size, they would not look at him; so, with Lord Astor's second son, J. J. Astor, he went to the War Office, but the Army would not consider him either.
With little choice, Gordon decided to carry on with his riding though he did join the Home Guard. Buying a farm, he grew vegetables towards the war effort and, helped by Steve Donoghue and Freddy Fox, organised many charity events for the Red Cross.
With little choice, Gordon decided to carry on with his riding though he did join the Home Guard. Buying a farm, he grew vegetables towards the war effort and, helped by Steve Donoghue and Freddy Fox, organised many charity events for the Red Cross.
By 1940, only 37 horses were in training at Beckhampton instead of the usual 70 odd. Racing had become zoned; there was a Southern section, a Northern section and a number of meetings at Newmarket. Everything was designed to cut down unnecessary travelling. The number of horses in training was drastically cut and the amount of racing heavily slashed.
By 1940, only 37 horses were in training at Beckhampton instead of the usual 70 odd. Racing had become zoned; there was a Southern section, a Northern section and a number of meetings at Newmarket. Everything was designed to cut down unnecessary travelling. The number of horses in training was drastically cut and the amount of racing heavily slashed.
By 1943, there were just 16 horses in training at Beckhampton. There were no four-year-olds, just very moderate two and three-year-olds.
By 1943, there were just 16 horses in training at Beckhampton. There were no four-year-olds, just very moderate two and three-year-olds.
Gordon still managed to win several classics: the 1942 2,000 Guineas (Big Game), 1942 1,000 Guineas, Oaks and St Leger (Sun Chariot), and the 1940 & 1944 St Legers (Turkhan & Tehran).
Gordon still managed to win several classics: the 1942 2,000 Guineas (Big Game), 1942 1,000 Guineas, Oaks and St Leger (Sun Chariot), and the 1940 & 1944 St Legers (Turkhan & Tehran).
Then, at the end of the 1944 season, Gordon had what might best be described as a mental relapse. It started with the discovery of a small ulcer. On top of all the strain of riding, plus the effort which he was putting into his Home Guard charity events, this setback in his health brought about a terrible depression.
Then, at the end of the 1944 season, Gordon had what might best be described as a mental relapse. It started with the discovery of a small ulcer. On top of all the strain of riding, plus the effort which he was putting into his Home Guard charity events, this setback in his health brought about a terrible depression.
That Christmas he was at his lowest ebb, unable to sleep or eat. His Christmas dinner consisted of a little boiled chicken and nothing else.
That Christmas he was at his lowest ebb, unable to sleep or eat. His Christmas dinner consisted of a little boiled chicken and nothing else.
He went to bed and stayed here, refusing to read the papers, write any letters or answer the phone. He also refused to talk to anybody.
He went to bed and stayed here, refusing to read the papers, write any letters or answer the phone. He also refused to talk to anybody.
Then the new season started, forcing Gordon from his bed. He rode a century of winners for the first time since before the war, but he was still on sleeping tablets and getting just four hours of sleep a night.
Then the new season started, forcing Gordon from his bed. He rode a century of winners for the first time since before the war, but he was still on sleeping tablets and getting just four hours of sleep a night.
During the close season, he heard that friends were going to Switzerland at the end of December and he asked if he could join them.
During the close season, he heard that friends were going to Switzerland at the end of December and he asked if he could join them.
It was the turning point, Gordon coming back totally refreshed and a different man.
It was the turning point, Gordon coming back totally refreshed and a different man.
He took up fishing, spending hours along the banks of the Kennet. A life-long pigeon fancier, he once again began spending more time with his birds.
He took up fishing, spending hours along the banks of the Kennet. A life-long pigeon fancier, he once again began spending more time with his birds.
In 1947, Gordon became champion for the twentieth time, riding 269 winners, but it was not a season of total success. True, the brilliant but 'right-handed' Tudor Minstrel (left) won the 2,000 Guineas in a common canter, but the left-handed course of Epsom proved his undoing. Fighting for his head all the way and continually taking Gordon out to the right, Tudor Minstrel finished a shattered fourth.
In 1947, Gordon became champion for the twentieth time, riding 269 winners, but it was not a season of total success. True, the brilliant but 'right-handed' Tudor Minstrel (left) won the 2,000 Guineas in a common canter, but the left-handed course of Epsom proved his undoing. Fighting for his head all the way and continually taking Gordon out to the right, Tudor Minstrel finished a shattered fourth.
Fred Darling was becoming gravely ill and Noel Murless took over the stable in 1948. Fred died shortly after listening to Pinza and Gordon winning the Derby.
Fred Darling was becoming gravely ill and Noel Murless took over the stable in 1948. Fred died shortly after listening to Pinza and Gordon winning the Derby.
Murless proved no less a star than Darling, becoming Champion Trainer in his first season with 63 winners.
Murless proved no less a star than Darling, becoming Champion Trainer in his first season with 63 winners.
The following year Gordon, riding the speedy Abernant, was beaten a short head by Nimbus in the 2,000 Guineas.
The following year Gordon, riding the speedy Abernant, was beaten a short head by Nimbus in the 2,000 Guineas.
In 1952, Murless moved his horses from Beckhampton to Warren Place, Newmarket, where Gordon continued to ride for him.
In 1952, Murless moved his horses from Beckhampton to Warren Place, Newmarket, where Gordon continued to ride for him.
Shortly before the start of the 1953 Epsom meeting, the then young Queen conferred a knighthood on Gordon in recognition of his services to horse racing.
Shortly before the start of the 1953 Epsom meeting, the then young Queen conferred a knighthood on Gordon in recognition of his services to horse racing.
Gordon finally won the Derby on his 28th attempt, winning on Pinza and, in the process, beating the Queen's Aureole into second place by four lengths.
Gordon finally won the Derby on his 28th attempt, winning on Pinza and, in the process, beating the Queen's Aureole into second place by four lengths.
Sir Gordon Richards was forced from the saddle in 1954 when the filly Abergeldie reared over backwards in the Sandown paddock, breaking his pelvis. After a few weeks in Rowley-Bristow hospital, Gordan flew down to Shoreham to recuperate in Worthing.
Sir Gordon Richards was forced from the saddle in 1954 when the filly Abergeldie reared over backwards in the Sandown paddock, breaking his pelvis. After a few weeks in Rowley-Bristow hospital, Gordan flew down to Shoreham to recuperate in Worthing.
It was from here that he made the official announcement of his retirement - but not before he had informed George Smyth, who had been his valet from day one, and Russ, his chauffeur of 25 years.
It was from here that he made the official announcement of his retirement - but not before he had informed George Smyth, who had been his valet from day one, and Russ, his chauffeur of 25 years.
In his career, he rode 4,870 winners.
In his career, he rode 4,870 winners.
Sir Gordon Richards died at Newbury on 10th November, 1986, aged 82.
Sir Gordon Richards died at Newbury on 10th November, 1986, aged 82.
He left estate valued at £829,650.
He left estate valued at £829,650.