Robert Read
1904 -1985
1904 -1985
Born on April 1, 1904, National Hunt jockey Robert Read rode 32 winners over jumps and took part in the 1926 Grand National.
Born on April 1, 1904, National Hunt jockey Robert Read rode 32 winners over jumps and took part in the 1926 Grand National.
He started out as an amateur and enjoyed a perfect introduction to riding under NH rules when winning on his first mount, 4-1 chance Dooley Ooley in the Carrisbrooke Handicap Chase at Ashey Racecourse on the Isle of Wight on September 28, 1922.
He started out as an amateur and enjoyed a perfect introduction to riding under NH rules when winning on his first mount, 4-1 chance Dooley Ooley in the Carrisbrooke Handicap Chase at Ashey Racecourse on the Isle of Wight on September 28, 1922.
He rode 66-1 outsider Cash Box in the 1926 Grand National, his sole ride in the race, but was among the fallers. Riding Cash Box in that year’s Welsh Grand National at Cardiff, he was lucky to emerge unscathed when his mount refused at the open ditch when in front and pitched him on top of the fence “as though reclining on a couch”, reported the Western Mail. Five horses somehow managed to negotiate the fence without striking him, while five others were swerved away from the fence by their jockeys who feared that by attempting to jump the fence they would have put the stranded rider in mortal danger.
He rode 66-1 outsider Cash Box in the 1926 Grand National, his sole ride in the race, but was among the fallers. Riding Cash Box in that year’s Welsh Grand National at Cardiff, he was lucky to emerge unscathed when his mount refused at the open ditch when in front and pitched him on top of the fence “as though reclining on a couch”, reported the Western Mail. Five horses somehow managed to negotiate the fence without striking him, while five others were swerved away from the fence by their jockeys who feared that by attempting to jump the fence they would have put the stranded rider in mortal danger.
Robert turned professional at the start of the 1926/27 National Hunt season, during which he rode three winners. He won three again the following season but then enjoyed his most successful campaign with a score of ten in 1928/29, getting off to a flying start and becoming leading jockey for half an hour when winning the first race of the season aboard 13-year-old Commander Smith in the Highweek Selling Handicap Chase at Newton Abbot on August 6, 1928.
Robert turned professional at the start of the 1926/27 National Hunt season, during which he rode three winners. He won three again the following season but then enjoyed his most successful campaign with a score of ten in 1928/29, getting off to a flying start and becoming leading jockey for half an hour when winning the first race of the season aboard 13-year-old Commander Smith in the Highweek Selling Handicap Chase at Newton Abbot on August 6, 1928.
The next day he rode Beggar’s Lane to win Newton Abbot’s Moderate Handicap Chase, following up at Isle of Wight nine days later. Robert and Beggar’s Lane then won three more races in a row at Devon & Exeter, Fontwell and Taunton within the space of three weeks. Sadly, Beggar’s Lane suffered a fatal fall in their next start at Fontwell in October.
The next day he rode Beggar’s Lane to win Newton Abbot’s Moderate Handicap Chase, following up at Isle of Wight nine days later. Robert and Beggar’s Lane then won three more races in a row at Devon & Exeter, Fontwell and Taunton within the space of three weeks. Sadly, Beggar’s Lane suffered a fatal fall in their next start at Fontwell in October.
Robert rode his last winner on 9-2 chance Cubicle in the Tinsley Selling Handicap Chase at Gatwick on December 7, 1932. He finished last of six on his final ride, Mountoi in the Swindon Selling Chase at Newbury on February 22, 1933.
Robert rode his last winner on 9-2 chance Cubicle in the Tinsley Selling Handicap Chase at Gatwick on December 7, 1932. He finished last of six on his final ride, Mountoi in the Swindon Selling Chase at Newbury on February 22, 1933.
Robert Read died on November 13, 1985, aged 81.
Robert Read died on November 13, 1985, aged 81.
Robert's first ride was a winning one.
Robert's first ride was a winning one.
Robert's last winner was on the stable's second string, Cubicle.
Robert's last winner was on the stable's second string, Cubicle.