Charlie Spares

1917 - 1958

Charles William Reginald (Chuck) Spares was born at Upton-on-Severn in 1917, and won the 1951 Epsom Derby on 28/1 outsider Arctic Prince. This was for trainer Willie Stephenson and was Charlie's first ride in the race.

Charlie died at his home in Church Street, Middleham, Yorkshire, on Tuesday, October 28, 1958 

He was 41. He left a widow and three sons.

He was apprenticed to Len Cundell at Chilton in Berkshire and rode his first winner, Penny-a-Liner, at Birmingham on October 31, 1932. Four years later, he began to ride over hurdles.

After the war he was attached to Ernie Davey's Malton stable. Later he moved on to Willie Stephenson who trained under both sets of rules at Royston.

1952 was the most successful of his career: from 193 mounts he rode 21 winners. His association with Stephenson ended in 1953. 

Soon after, his health began to fail and he gave up riding, but in the spring of 1958 he tried unsuccessfully to re-establish himself as a jockey with the help of the Middleham trainer Harry Blackshaw.

Classic winner:

Derby: Arctic Prince (1951)

Other big winners:

1944: Manchester November Handicap – Kerry Piper 

1953: Sussex Stakes – King Of The Tudors