Bill Stubbs
Ralph William (Bill) Stubbs was born on November 15, 1945. He held a National Hunt jockey’s licence for the seasons of 1969/70 and 1971/72.
Ralph William (Bill) Stubbs was born on November 15, 1945. He held a National Hunt jockey’s licence for the seasons of 1969/70 and 1971/72.
He failed to ride a winner in either season, however he was involved in a hair-raising moment one day at Catterick.
He failed to ride a winner in either season, however he was involved in a hair-raising moment one day at Catterick.
One of his first rides over jumps was on a grey colt named Water Boy, trained by Ian Jordan. The race was division one of the Ampleforth Juvenile Hurdle, the 2.30 at Catterick on November 15, 1969. It was televised by ITV as part of its Saturday afternoon sports coverage.
One of his first rides over jumps was on a grey colt named Water Boy, trained by Ian Jordan. The race was division one of the Ampleforth Juvenile Hurdle, the 2.30 at Catterick on November 15, 1969. It was televised by ITV as part of its Saturday afternoon sports coverage.
Water Boy set off in front on the stands side and jumped the first two flights well enough. But at the third hurdle, the one nearest the stands, he stumbled on landing, decanting Bill out the side door, although the rider managed to grab the reins. What happened then was that Water Boy turned left at 90 degrees and proceeded to run across in front of the whole field, with Bill running alongside on the horse’s right, hanging on to the reins.
Water Boy set off in front on the stands side and jumped the first two flights well enough. But at the third hurdle, the one nearest the stands, he stumbled on landing, decanting Bill out the side door, although the rider managed to grab the reins. What happened then was that Water Boy turned left at 90 degrees and proceeded to run across in front of the whole field, with Bill running alongside on the horse’s right, hanging on to the reins.
Miraculously, all the other runners managed to avoid them and the race continued without further incident. It is highly unlikely that a recording of that moment still exists, but it would be well worth showing again if it did.
Miraculously, all the other runners managed to avoid them and the race continued without further incident. It is highly unlikely that a recording of that moment still exists, but it would be well worth showing again if it did.
Bill rode mostly for Ted Goddard but had few mounts in public. He began training in 1976 and saddled his fair share of winners from his Tupgill Stables at Middleham.
Bill rode mostly for Ted Goddard but had few mounts in public. He began training in 1976 and saddled his fair share of winners from his Tupgill Stables at Middleham.
He married Linda on December 22, 1978. She eventually took over the trainer’s licence and trained successfully for many years. Their daughter Kristin rode winners on the Flat and is now training in her own right, based at Beverley House Stables, Malton.
He married Linda on December 22, 1978. She eventually took over the trainer’s licence and trained successfully for many years. Their daughter Kristin rode winners on the Flat and is now training in her own right, based at Beverley House Stables, Malton.