Ken Rivers
Ken Richmond Rivers was born in Birmingham on 28th July 1951, and attended Arnold Lodge Preparatory Seabright Public School between 1960 and 1965.
Ken Richmond Rivers was born in Birmingham on 28th July 1951, and attended Arnold Lodge Preparatory Seabright Public School between 1960 and 1965.
He rode professionally over the sticks from 1967 to 1976, notching up eight wins. He rode for trainers Mr J Ford, Ricky Vallance (Devizes, Wilts.), David Elsworth, Tony Newcombe (I.O.W.) and finally Jack Cann (Cullompton).
He rode professionally over the sticks from 1967 to 1976, notching up eight wins. He rode for trainers Mr J Ford, Ricky Vallance (Devizes, Wilts.), David Elsworth, Tony Newcombe (I.O.W.) and finally Jack Cann (Cullompton).
All of Ken's wins came over hurdles, and included April the Nineteenth, Domberg Assault and his father's Red Rory.
All of Ken's wins came over hurdles, and included April the Nineteenth, Domberg Assault and his father's Red Rory.
Ken's early riding opportunities were in competition with stable jockey Bill Turner, but after winning on an outside ride, Love Set, his natural ability became apparent. It was more widely recognized after Ken had won by five lengths at Sandown for Mr Cann's stable.
Ken's early riding opportunities were in competition with stable jockey Bill Turner, but after winning on an outside ride, Love Set, his natural ability became apparent. It was more widely recognized after Ken had won by five lengths at Sandown for Mr Cann's stable.
Sadly, his younger brother, John, was involved in a serious riding accident; this, together with increased stable competition for rides, induced Ken to call it a day and, for the next thirty years, ran various public houses. He then retired to Spain, where he still lives today.
Sadly, his younger brother, John, was involved in a serious riding accident; this, together with increased stable competition for rides, induced Ken to call it a day and, for the next thirty years, ran various public houses. He then retired to Spain, where he still lives today.
His brother John lived with paraplegia until sadly passing away in June 2014.
His brother John lived with paraplegia until sadly passing away in June 2014.
Ken did not have an apprenticeship, nor the advantages of a 'Jockey Riding School' - had he done so, he may well have enjoyed greater success. An all-round athlete from a young age, his greatest attributes were his fine balance in the saddle and his excellent judgement of pace.
Ken did not have an apprenticeship, nor the advantages of a 'Jockey Riding School' - had he done so, he may well have enjoyed greater success. An all-round athlete from a young age, his greatest attributes were his fine balance in the saddle and his excellent judgement of pace.