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Noel Robinson
Noel Robinson
1918-1979
1918-1979
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
Better known as a northern-based trainer of the 1950s, 60s and 70s, George Noel Robinson, always known by his second name, was born on December 24, 1918. He served his apprenticeship on the Flat with the legendary Fred Darling at Beckhampton but his career was interrupted by World War Two, during which he served in the Yorkshire Dragoons from 1939 to 1946.
Better known as a northern-based trainer of the 1950s, 60s and 70s, George Noel Robinson, always known by his second name, was born on December 24, 1918. He served his apprenticeship on the Flat with the legendary Fred Darling at Beckhampton but his career was interrupted by World War Two, during which he served in the Yorkshire Dragoons from 1939 to 1946.
It was not until he was in his mid-30s that he had his first ride over jumps when dead-heating for second place on the six-year-old Playwell in the Newbiggin Novices’ Chase at Hexham on October 2, 1954. Top northern jockey George Slack won the race on Middlesmoor, while another leading northern-based rider, George Milburn, shared second place on Main Reef.
It was not until he was in his mid-30s that he had his first ride over jumps when dead-heating for second place on the six-year-old Playwell in the Newbiggin Novices’ Chase at Hexham on October 2, 1954. Top northern jockey George Slack won the race on Middlesmoor, while another leading northern-based rider, George Milburn, shared second place on Main Reef.
Noel had his first victory at Hexham on May 28, 1955, when 11-year-old Unanimous, trained by former jump jockey Jack Cooke, beat three rivals to land the Shire Selling Handicap Hurdle, making all the running to win by eight lengths. Two days later they finished second over the same course, beaten five lengths by Jack Boddy on Why Tell.
Noel had his first victory at Hexham on May 28, 1955, when 11-year-old Unanimous, trained by former jump jockey Jack Cooke, beat three rivals to land the Shire Selling Handicap Hurdle, making all the running to win by eight lengths. Two days later they finished second over the same course, beaten five lengths by Jack Boddy on Why Tell.
Noel took out his first trainer’s licence the same year, and it was on one of his own horses that he had his only other win as a jockey when taking the Mother Goose Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1) at Catterick Bridge by 12 lengths on Glen Hill Star on New Year’s Day 1959. Noel had finished second on him at Sedgefield on Boxing Day. It is likely that Glen Hill Star, was his first success as a trainer.
Noel took out his first trainer’s licence the same year, and it was on one of his own horses that he had his only other win as a jockey when taking the Mother Goose Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1) at Catterick Bridge by 12 lengths on Glen Hill Star on New Year’s Day 1959. Noel had finished second on him at Sedgefield on Boxing Day. It is likely that Glen Hill Star, was his first success as a trainer.
One fourth place in three subsequent starts was the best the pair managed, the last of those outings together, when unplaced at Newcastle on March 19, 1960 in the Chub Handicap Hurdle, being Noel’s last ride.
One fourth place in three subsequent starts was the best the pair managed, the last of those outings together, when unplaced at Newcastle on March 19, 1960 in the Chub Handicap Hurdle, being Noel’s last ride.
He continued to train until the late 1970s. His major victories included the Liverpool Spring Cup and Ayr’s Usher-Vaux Brewery Gold Tankard, both in 1964 with Pluit; the 1966 Edinburgh Gold Cup with Inyanga; and, over jumps, Liverpool’s Mildmay Chase in 1963 with Border Sparkle. Another of his horses, Fawdon Lady, won seven races during the 1961 Flat season.
He continued to train until the late 1970s. His major victories included the Liverpool Spring Cup and Ayr’s Usher-Vaux Brewery Gold Tankard, both in 1964 with Pluit; the 1966 Edinburgh Gold Cup with Inyanga; and, over jumps, Liverpool’s Mildmay Chase in 1963 with Border Sparkle. Another of his horses, Fawdon Lady, won seven races during the 1961 Flat season.
Noel Robinson died in September 1979, aged 60, although the Bloodstock Breeders’ Review 1979 in its obituary section gave his age as 56. He had retired from training the previous year, perhaps because of illness.
Noel Robinson died in September 1979, aged 60, although the Bloodstock Breeders’ Review 1979 in its obituary section gave his age as 56. He had retired from training the previous year, perhaps because of illness.
Information regarding his death kindly supplied by John Randall.
Information regarding his death kindly supplied by John Randall.
Noel Robinson's final winner: Glen Hill Star at Catterick, January 1 1959
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