Wilfred Ricardo

Born in 1868 and educated at Eton, Wilfred - son of Francis and Louisa Ricardo - served with the Blues from 1888 to 1906.

A more than useful amateur rider, he scored his maiden win in 1889, riding Grimaldi at Hawthorn Hill.

He rode Sir Samuel Scott's Philactery in the 1894 National Hunt Steeplechase, run that year at Derby. There were ten runners for the 850 sovs. prize, the favourite

at 3-1 being Olive Branch, ridden by Joseph Widger. Philactery jumped the last just ahead of the favourite but then ran wide at the bend, losing its advantage. Wilfred galvanised the horse on the run-in to regain the lead, winning by two and a half lengths. Captain Yardley finished third on Monk Lewis.

Wilfred won a second good prize when, after several attempts, landing the 1904 Grand Military Gold Cup on Dunboyne.

His natural weight was 11 st. 6 lbs.; bearing in mind that he frequently had to ride at 10 st 7 lbs, the following record of big wins is fairly formidable.

National Hunt Steeplechase - Philactery

Household Brigade Handicap - March Hare

Warwick Grand Annual - Ulysses

Newmarket Military - Fanatic

Household Brigade Cup - March Hare

Past & Present Steeplechase - Philosopher

Grand Military Gold Cup - Dunboyne

Manchester Handicap - St Anthon

Riding County Council in a three-mile match at Windsor, Wilfred beat Horizon.

He also won other events of minor importance on The Mazzard, Bog George, Bar-none, County Council, Philosopher, Ulysses, Bouncing Boy, Nepcote, The Nun, Siddington, Katerfeltd and Alphaeus.

After retiring from race-riding, Wilfred, a passionate foxhunter, rode regularly with the Quorn and other packs within reach of his home in Melton Mowbray.