Peter Roberts
Article by Derek Gay
Article by Derek Gay
Frederick Cunliffe Hodgson-Roberts was born at Kensington, London, and rode as Mr Peter Roberts.
Frederick Cunliffe Hodgson-Roberts was born at Kensington, London, and rode as Mr Peter Roberts.
He was the stepson of amateur jockey and trainer Percy Whitaker and came in for the winning ride on Wychwood in the 1909 4-mile National Hunt Chase as his stepfather – who trained the horse and was due to ride him – broke some ribs in a fall the day before.
He was the stepson of amateur jockey and trainer Percy Whitaker and came in for the winning ride on Wychwood in the 1909 4-mile National Hunt Chase as his stepfather – who trained the horse and was due to ride him – broke some ribs in a fall the day before.
He won the same race the following season riding Nimble Kate.
He won the same race the following season riding Nimble Kate.
At the outbreak of WW1, he enlisted in the 19th Hussars reserve squadron: he was then transferred to the Scots Greys.
At the outbreak of WW1, he enlisted in the 19th Hussars reserve squadron: he was then transferred to the Scots Greys.
One day, whilst training with the Cavalry Unit, he became indignant at being 'bawled out' by the riding master over keeping his body upright as he jumped obstacles.
One day, whilst training with the Cavalry Unit, he became indignant at being 'bawled out' by the riding master over keeping his body upright as he jumped obstacles.
He shouted back at the officer: 'If you were capable of making a living riding over obstacles as I have done, you might have the right to teach me to ride.'
He shouted back at the officer: 'If you were capable of making a living riding over obstacles as I have done, you might have the right to teach me to ride.'
The Officer, in no uncertain manner, fired back: 'It is my duty to pass recruits when they have learnt to ride in the correct military fashion and not like bloody cyclists!'
The Officer, in no uncertain manner, fired back: 'It is my duty to pass recruits when they have learnt to ride in the correct military fashion and not like bloody cyclists!'
He then added: 'You will bloody well stay in the school unit until I see fit to pass you out, regardless of how many winners you have ridden on 'civvy street''.
He then added: 'You will bloody well stay in the school unit until I see fit to pass you out, regardless of how many winners you have ridden on 'civvy street''.
Peter Roberts went on to become a Lt. In the Dragoon Guards after transferring in May 1916.
Peter Roberts went on to become a Lt. In the Dragoon Guards after transferring in May 1916.
A report dated September 1917 – taken from Peter's medical file – stated that he suffered on a number of occasions from severe headaches which were the legacy of a fall he received in 1913 when he was unconscious for a fortnight.
A report dated September 1917 – taken from Peter's medical file – stated that he suffered on a number of occasions from severe headaches which were the legacy of a fall he received in 1913 when he was unconscious for a fortnight.
He was a top amateur rider who, with 29 winners, enjoyed his best season in 1910-11.
He was a top amateur rider who, with 29 winners, enjoyed his best season in 1910-11.
He also won the Valentine's Chase in 1923 on Master Robert.
He also won the Valentine's Chase in 1923 on Master Robert.
Peter won on his first ever ride in public at Leicester in 1908.
Peter won on his first ever ride in public at Leicester in 1908.
He rode just over 150 winners – his luck, however, deserted him in the Grand National. He had six rides and fell on each occasion.
He rode just over 150 winners – his luck, however, deserted him in the Grand National. He had six rides and fell on each occasion.
Aged 50, he died at Wroughton on January 26, 1940. He left £29,782.
Aged 50, he died at Wroughton on January 26, 1940. He left £29,782.