William Robinson
William Thomas Robinson, born in London on April 22, 1870, was one of the best known jockeys of his day.
William Thomas Robinson, born in London on April 22, 1870, was one of the best known jockeys of his day.
He first came to the public eye when winning the 1886 Great Metropolitan on Postscript, following it up with a win in the next year's St Leger, riding Lord Rodney's Kilwarlin and the Cesarewitch on Humewood.
He first came to the public eye when winning the 1886 Great Metropolitan on Postscript, following it up with a win in the next year's St Leger, riding Lord Rodney's Kilwarlin and the Cesarewitch on Humewood.
Among his other notable wins were the Oaks and St Leger in 1888 on Lord Calthorpe's Seabreeze, the 1889 Ascot Gold Cup on Trayles and, three years later, the Two Thousand Guineas on Sir Charles Rose's Bonavista.
Among his other notable wins were the Oaks and St Leger in 1888 on Lord Calthorpe's Seabreeze, the 1889 Ascot Gold Cup on Trayles and, three years later, the Two Thousand Guineas on Sir Charles Rose's Bonavista.
He rode for just nine seasons before turning his attention to training. After two years as private trainer to Lord Gerard, he set up as public trainer, operating from Foxhill in Winchester.
He rode for just nine seasons before turning his attention to training. After two years as private trainer to Lord Gerard, he set up as public trainer, operating from Foxhill in Winchester.
Many good horses passed through his hands including Craganour, who was disqualified after winning the 1913 Derby.
Many good horses passed through his hands including Craganour, who was disqualified after winning the 1913 Derby.
Robinson trained the winner of the Lincoln Handicap three years in succession, Clorane, 1896, Winkfield's Pride and Prince Barcaldine. He won the race a fourth time with Cinderello (1910).
Robinson trained the winner of the Lincoln Handicap three years in succession, Clorane, 1896, Winkfield's Pride and Prince Barcaldine. He won the race a fourth time with Cinderello (1910).
He was also responsible for sending out three classic winners, Vedas (Two Thousand Guineas, 1905) and Cherry Lass (One Thousand Guineas and Oaks, 1905).
He was also responsible for sending out three classic winners, Vedas (Two Thousand Guineas, 1905) and Cherry Lass (One Thousand Guineas and Oaks, 1905).
Aged 48, William died of angina at Swindon on July 2, 1918 leaving property valued at £15.556.
Aged 48, William died of angina at Swindon on July 2, 1918 leaving property valued at £15.556.
Apprenticed to Tom Cannon, Bill - the son of a coachman - was always known as Jack.
Apprenticed to Tom Cannon, Bill - the son of a coachman - was always known as Jack.
He had his best season in 1888 when riding 75 winners. He also won four classics before retiring in 1892 and becoming a trainer (and training a further five classic winners)
He had his best season in 1888 when riding 75 winners. He also won four classics before retiring in 1892 and becoming a trainer (and training a further five classic winners)
He became champion trainer in 1905.
He became champion trainer in 1905.
Seabreeze was probably the best horse he rode.
Seabreeze was probably the best horse he rode.
Bill's classic wins:
Bill's classic wins:
1892: 2,000 Guineas - Bona Vista
1892: 2,000 Guineas - Bona Vista
1887: St Leger - Kilwarlin
1887: St Leger - Kilwarlin
1888: The Oaks - Seabreeze
1888: The Oaks - Seabreeze
1888: St Leger - Seabreeze
1888: St Leger - Seabreeze
Other big race winners included:
Other big race winners included:
Ascot Gold Cup; Timothy (1888) & Trayles (1889)
Ascot Gold Cup; Timothy (1888) & Trayles (1889)
Cesarewitch: Humewood (1887)
Cesarewitch: Humewood (1887)
Goodwood Cup: Trayles (1889)
Goodwood Cup: Trayles (1889)
Lancashire Plate: Seabreeze (1888)
Lancashire Plate: Seabreeze (1888)
Coventry Stakes: The Deemster (1890)
Coventry Stakes: The Deemster (1890)
Coronation Stakes: Seabreeze (1888) & Heresy (1890)
Coronation Stakes: Seabreeze (1888) & Heresy (1890)
Great Metropolitan: Postscript (1886)
Great Metropolitan: Postscript (1886)
Nassau Stakes: Wrinkle (1889)
Nassau Stakes: Wrinkle (1889)
