Greville Starkey
The son of a factory worker, Greville Michael Wilson Starkey was born at Lichfield, Staffordshire, on 21 December, 1939, and, leaving school, became apprenticed to H. Thomson Jones.
The son of a factory worker, Greville Michael Wilson Starkey was born at Lichfield, Staffordshire, on 21 December, 1939, and, leaving school, became apprenticed to H. Thomson Jones.
He rode his first winner on Russian Gold at Pontefract's evening meeting (9.20) on Epsom Oaks Day, 1956 (won by Sicarelle).
He rode his first winner on Russian Gold at Pontefract's evening meeting (9.20) on Epsom Oaks Day, 1956 (won by Sicarelle).
The Australian jockey, Edgar Britt, was originally booked to ride, but cried off leaving Greville to score (albeit by just a short head). Another 1,988 winners were to follow.
The Australian jockey, Edgar Britt, was originally booked to ride, but cried off leaving Greville to score (albeit by just a short head). Another 1,988 winners were to follow.
The following season, with 45 winners, he became champion apprentice: among the good races he won that year were Kempton's Jubilee Handicap on Orinthia and the Zetland Gold Cup on Sunrise.
The following season, with 45 winners, he became champion apprentice: among the good races he won that year were Kempton's Jubilee Handicap on Orinthia and the Zetland Gold Cup on Sunrise.
Other important races that he won for Thomson Jones (when no longer an apprentice) included the Ribblesdale Stakes on Fleet Lahine and the 1971 Gordon Stakes at Goodwood on Athens Wood.
Other important races that he won for Thomson Jones (when no longer an apprentice) included the Ribblesdale Stakes on Fleet Lahine and the 1971 Gordon Stakes at Goodwood on Athens Wood.
In 1961, Greville rode as first jockey to John Oxley. Several good races came their way including the 1964 Epsom Oaks with Homeward Bound. Because of the heavy going which few runners could act on, the race was run at a crawl.
In 1961, Greville rode as first jockey to John Oxley. Several good races came their way including the 1964 Epsom Oaks with Homeward Bound. Because of the heavy going which few runners could act on, the race was run at a crawl.
Greville also won the 1968 Lincoln on Frankincense, the Dante Stakes on Merchant Venturer (on which he also came second in the 1963 Epsom Derby), the 1963 Coronation Stakes on Fiji and the 1966 Great Voligeur Stakes on Hermes.
Greville also won the 1968 Lincoln on Frankincense, the Dante Stakes on Merchant Venturer (on which he also came second in the 1963 Epsom Derby), the 1963 Coronation Stakes on Fiji and the 1966 Great Voligeur Stakes on Hermes.
In 1970, Greville moved on to become stable jockey to the blossoming Henry Cecil, and, that year, won the Goodwood Cup on Parthenon and a second long-distance race, the Goodwood Stakes, on Pride of Alcide. He followed that by winning the 1972 Queen's Vase on Falkland.
In 1970, Greville moved on to become stable jockey to the blossoming Henry Cecil, and, that year, won the Goodwood Cup on Parthenon and a second long-distance race, the Goodwood Stakes, on Pride of Alcide. He followed that by winning the 1972 Queen's Vase on Falkland.
Then for reasons best known to himself, he quit Cecil's in 1974 and began riding as a freelance.
Then for reasons best known to himself, he quit Cecil's in 1974 and began riding as a freelance.
His biggest win the following year came in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe: riding the outsider 119/1 Star Appeal, Greville came home first ahead of Dahlia, Allez France and several other top class runners. So certain was Greville that Star Appeal had no chance of winning that, before the race, he had a slap-up meal in a Paris restaurant.
His biggest win the following year came in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe: riding the outsider 119/1 Star Appeal, Greville came home first ahead of Dahlia, Allez France and several other top class runners. So certain was Greville that Star Appeal had no chance of winning that, before the race, he had a slap-up meal in a Paris restaurant.
In 1974, Greville married Christine Simpson. She gave him two daughters.
In 1974, Greville married Christine Simpson. She gave him two daughters.
In 1975, Greville became first jockey to Sussex trainer Guy Harwood's Pulborough Stable.
In 1975, Greville became first jockey to Sussex trainer Guy Harwood's Pulborough Stable.
He also became involved with Michael Stoute winning the 1977 Flying Childers Stakes on Music Maestro and the 1976 Cambridgeshire in Intermission.
He also became involved with Michael Stoute winning the 1977 Flying Childers Stakes on Music Maestro and the 1976 Cambridgeshire in Intermission.
Yet for all his undoubted success, Greville remains best remembered for the race he didn't win: the 1986 Derby.
Yet for all his undoubted success, Greville remains best remembered for the race he didn't win: the 1986 Derby.
Riding the red hot favourite, Dancing Brave - on which he had already won the Two Thousand Guineas - Greville came with devastating run in the last few hundred yards, only to be beaten half-a-length by the Aga Khan's Shahrastani.
Riding the red hot favourite, Dancing Brave - on which he had already won the Two Thousand Guineas - Greville came with devastating run in the last few hundred yards, only to be beaten half-a-length by the Aga Khan's Shahrastani.
It was agreed, almost to a man, that Greville had ridden a spectacularly bad race, misjudging the winning post and coming too late.
It was agreed, almost to a man, that Greville had ridden a spectacularly bad race, misjudging the winning post and coming too late.
This ride was to haunt him for the rest of his days. Eventually he refused to talk about it.
This ride was to haunt him for the rest of his days. Eventually he refused to talk about it.
He was replaced in the Arc by Pat Eddery who also came with an unbelievable late run on Dancing Brave but had timed it to a nicety and won.
He was replaced in the Arc by Pat Eddery who also came with an unbelievable late run on Dancing Brave but had timed it to a nicety and won.
He rode London Gazette in the 1964 Champion Hurdle and, in 1965, rode Welshman to win the last ever race at Birmingham where he'd had his first ride in public on Nomecette (last) on October 31, 1955.
He rode London Gazette in the 1964 Champion Hurdle and, in 1965, rode Welshman to win the last ever race at Birmingham where he'd had his first ride in public on Nomecette (last) on October 31, 1955.
After 34 years in the saddle, Greville retired in 1989: his last win was on Michael Stoute's Rock Hopper on November 4 that year.
After 34 years in the saddle, Greville retired in 1989: his last win was on Michael Stoute's Rock Hopper on November 4 that year.
His best season, numerically, came in 1987 when he won 107 races.
His best season, numerically, came in 1987 when he won 107 races.
On the racecourse he came across as a humourless and somewhat charmless individual: he had an uncompromising and whimsical attitude towards owners which deterred many from over-engaging him.
On the racecourse he came across as a humourless and somewhat charmless individual: he had an uncompromising and whimsical attitude towards owners which deterred many from over-engaging him.
However, most trainers agreed that he was the best analyst of horses that he had ridden, and of the races that he rode in.
However, most trainers agreed that he was the best analyst of horses that he had ridden, and of the races that he rode in.
He was also popular with his fellow jockeys in the weighing room where he uncovered a surprising, if warped, sense of humour.
He was also popular with his fellow jockeys in the weighing room where he uncovered a surprising, if warped, sense of humour.
Young Walter Swinburn once called at Greviile's home for tea and asked to sample some pate. His host disappeared into the kitchen and returned with two 'slices'. Walter ate them and said how delicious they had been. It was then that Greville revealed that the young jockey had just eaten dog food.
Young Walter Swinburn once called at Greviile's home for tea and asked to sample some pate. His host disappeared into the kitchen and returned with two 'slices'. Walter ate them and said how delicious they had been. It was then that Greville revealed that the young jockey had just eaten dog food.
The two men seldom spoke afterwards.
The two men seldom spoke afterwards.
Greville was a brilliant mimic and could take off most trainers. He could also replicate the bark of a Jack Russell terrier. On one occasion, the departure of a jet was delayed while a steward and passengers sought in vain for a non-existent dog.
Greville was a brilliant mimic and could take off most trainers. He could also replicate the bark of a Jack Russell terrier. On one occasion, the departure of a jet was delayed while a steward and passengers sought in vain for a non-existent dog.
Greville was in the habit of driving a pony and trap over Worlington golf course, ignoring the protests of its members.
Greville was in the habit of driving a pony and trap over Worlington golf course, ignoring the protests of its members.
He retired to the White House Stud, Near Kennett, Newmarket, where he took horses at livery.
He retired to the White House Stud, Near Kennett, Newmarket, where he took horses at livery.
When illness gripped him, he became reclusive, refusing to see his friends.
When illness gripped him, he became reclusive, refusing to see his friends.
Greville Starkey died of cancer on 14 April 2010.
Greville Starkey died of cancer on 14 April 2010.
He and Christine had separated some 15 years earlier since when his partner had been Julie Elliott.
He and Christine had separated some 15 years earlier since when his partner had been Julie Elliott.
Greville Starkey
Greville Starkey
Classic winners:
Classic winners:
Derby: Shirley Heights (1978)
Derby: Shirley Heights (1978)
Oaks: Homeward Bound (1964), Fair Salinia (1978)
Oaks: Homeward Bound (1964), Fair Salinia (1978)
Two Thousand Guineas: To-Agori-Mou (1981), Dancing Brave (1986)
Two Thousand Guineas: To-Agori-Mou (1981), Dancing Brave (1986)
Other big winners:
Other big winners:
1957: Great Jubilee Handicap – Orinthia
1957: Great Jubilee Handicap – Orinthia
1957: Zetland Gold Cup – Sunrise
1957: Zetland Gold Cup – Sunrise
1959: Great St Wilfrid Handicap – Golden Leg
1959: Great St Wilfrid Handicap – Golden Leg
1962: Imperial Stakes – Saucepan
1962: Imperial Stakes – Saucepan
1963: Dante Stakes – Merchant Venturer
1963: Dante Stakes – Merchant Venturer
1963: Coronation Stakes – Fiji
1963: Coronation Stakes – Fiji
1964: Coronation Stakes – Ocean
1964: Coronation Stakes – Ocean
1964: Yorkshire Oaks – Homeward Bound
1964: Yorkshire Oaks – Homeward Bound
1966: Thirsk Classic Trial – Hermes
1966: Thirsk Classic Trial – Hermes
1966: Henry II Stakes – Fighting Charlie
1966: Henry II Stakes – Fighting Charlie
1966: Ascot Gold Cup – Fighting Charlie
1966: Ascot Gold Cup – Fighting Charlie
1966: Great Voltigeur Stakes – Hermes
1966: Great Voltigeur Stakes – Hermes
1966: Jockey Club Cup – Hermes
1966: Jockey Club Cup – Hermes
1967: Craven Stakes – Sloop
1967: Craven Stakes – Sloop
1967: King Edward VII Stakes – Mariner
1967: King Edward VII Stakes – Mariner
1967: William Hill Gold Cup – Frankincense
1967: William Hill Gold Cup – Frankincense
1968: Sandown Classic Trial – Safety Match
1968: Sandown Classic Trial – Safety Match
1969: Nell Gwyn Stakes – Anchor
1969: Nell Gwyn Stakes – Anchor
1969: Musidora Stakes – Rimosa’s Pet
1969: Musidora Stakes – Rimosa’s Pet
1970: Dante Stakes – Approval
1970: Dante Stakes – Approval
1970: Goodwood Stakes – Pride Of Alcide
1970: Goodwood Stakes – Pride Of Alcide
1970: Goodwood Cup – Parthenon
1970: Goodwood Cup – Parthenon
1970: Solario Stakes – Athens Wood
1970: Solario Stakes – Athens Wood
1971: Ribblesdale Stakes – Fleet Wahine
1971: Ribblesdale Stakes – Fleet Wahine
1971: Gordon Stakes – Athens Wood
1971: Gordon Stakes – Athens Wood
1971: Molecomb Stakes – Port Lassie
1971: Molecomb Stakes – Port Lassie
1972: Queen’s Vase – Falkland
1972: Queen’s Vase – Falkland
1972: Princess of Wales’s Stakes – Falkland
1972: Princess of Wales’s Stakes – Falkland
1973: Nell Gwyn Stakes – Caspian
1973: Nell Gwyn Stakes – Caspian
1973: Yorkshire Cup – Celtic Cone
1973: Yorkshire Cup – Celtic Cone
1973: Bunbury Cup – Fabvista
1973: Bunbury Cup – Fabvista
1974: Great Metropolitan Handicap – Tim Ding
1974: Great Metropolitan Handicap – Tim Ding
1975: Eclipse Stakes – Star Appeal
1975: Eclipse Stakes – Star Appeal
1976: Fred Darling Stakes - Rowantree
1976: Fred Darling Stakes - Rowantree
1976: Goodwood Cup – Mr Bigmore
1976: Goodwood Cup – Mr Bigmore
1976: King George Stakes – Music Boy
1976: King George Stakes – Music Boy
1976: Horris Hill Stakes – Fair Season
1976: Horris Hill Stakes – Fair Season
1976: Cambridgeshire Handicap – Intermission
1976: Cambridgeshire Handicap – Intermission
1977: Craven Stakes – Limone
1977: Craven Stakes – Limone
1977: Nassau Stakes – Triple First
1977: Nassau Stakes – Triple First
1977: Sun Chariot Stakes – Triple First
1977: Sun Chariot Stakes – Triple First
1977: Flying Childers Stakes – Music Maestro
1977: Flying Childers Stakes – Music Maestro
1977: Royal Lodge Stakes – Shirley Heights
1977: Royal Lodge Stakes – Shirley Heights
1977: Princess Royal Stakes – Aloft
1977: Princess Royal Stakes – Aloft
1978: Dante Stakes – Shirley Heights
1978: Dante Stakes – Shirley Heights
1978: Ascot Gold Cup – Shangamuzo
1978: Ascot Gold Cup – Shangamuzo
1978: Richmond Stakes – Young Generation
1978: Richmond Stakes – Young Generation
1978: Norfolk Stakes – Schweppeshire Lad
1978: Norfolk Stakes – Schweppeshire Lad
1978: Cherry Hinton Stakes – Devon Ditty
1978: Cherry Hinton Stakes – Devon Ditty
1978: Yorkshire Oaks – Fair Salinia
1978: Yorkshire Oaks – Fair Salinia
1978: Lowther Stakes – Devon Ditty
1978: Lowther Stakes – Devon Ditty
1978: Flying Childers Stakes – Devon Ditty
1978: Flying Childers Stakes – Devon Ditty
1978: Ayr Gold Cup – Vaigly Great
1978: Ayr Gold Cup – Vaigly Great
1978: Royal Lodge Stakes – Ela-Mana-Mou
1978: Royal Lodge Stakes – Ela-Mana-Mou
1978: Cheveley Park Stakes – Devon Ditty
1978: Cheveley Park Stakes – Devon Ditty
1978: Champion Stakes – Swiss Maid
1978: Champion Stakes – Swiss Maid
1979: Palace House Stakes – Vaigly Great
1979: Palace House Stakes – Vaigly Great
1979: Musidora Stakes – Rimosa’s Pet
1979: Musidora Stakes – Rimosa’s Pet
1979: Lingfield Oaks Trial – Reprocolour
1979: Lingfield Oaks Trial – Reprocolour
1979: Lockinge Stakes – Young Generation
1979: Lockinge Stakes – Young Generation
1979: Diomed Stakes – Spring in Deepsea
1979: Diomed Stakes – Spring in Deepsea
1979: King Edward VII Stakes – Ela-Mana-Mou
1979: King Edward VII Stakes – Ela-Mana-Mou
1979: Queen Alexandra Stakes – John Cherry
1979: Queen Alexandra Stakes – John Cherry
1979: Lancashire Oaks – Reprocolor
1979: Lancashire Oaks – Reprocolor
1979: King George Stakes – Ahonoora
1979: King George Stakes – Ahonoora
1979: William Hill Gold Cup – Portese
1979: William Hill Gold Cup – Portese
1979: Solario Stakes – Rankin
1979: Solario Stakes – Rankin
1979: Nunthorpe Stakes – Ahonoora
1979: Nunthorpe Stakes – Ahonoora
1979: Flying Childers Stakes – Abeer
1979: Flying Childers Stakes – Abeer
1979: Cornwallis Stakes – Hanu
1979: Cornwallis Stakes – Hanu
1980: Greenham Stakes – Final Straw
1980: Greenham Stakes – Final Straw
1980: Coventry Stakes – Recitation
1980: Coventry Stakes – Recitation
1980: Norfolk Stakes – Chummy’s Special
1980: Norfolk Stakes – Chummy’s Special
1980: Solario Stakes – To-Agori-Mou
1980: Solario Stakes – To-Agori-Mou
1980: Ebor Handicap – Shaftesbury
1980: Ebor Handicap – Shaftesbury
1980: May Hill Stakes – Exclusively Raised
1980: May Hill Stakes – Exclusively Raised
1980: Flying Childers – Stakes – Marwell
1980: Flying Childers – Stakes – Marwell
1980: Horris Hill Stakes – Kalaglow
1980: Horris Hill Stakes – Kalaglow
1981: Greenham Stakes – Another Realm
1981: Greenham Stakes – Another Realm
1981: City and Suburban Handicap – Lafontaine
1981: City and Suburban Handicap – Lafontaine
1981: Great Jubilee Handicap – Greenwood Star
1981: Great Jubilee Handicap – Greenwood Star
1981: Coventry Stakes – Red Sunset
1981: Coventry Stakes – Red Sunset
1981: St James’s Palace Stakes – To-Agori-Mou
1981: St James’s Palace Stakes – To-Agori-Mou
1981: Royal Hunt Cup – Teamwork
1981: Royal Hunt Cup – Teamwork
1981: Britannia Stakes – Olympic Glory
1981: Britannia Stakes – Olympic Glory
1981: Stewards Cup – Crews Hill
1981: Stewards Cup – Crews Hill
1981: Nassau Stakes – Go Leasing
1981: Nassau Stakes – Go Leasing
1981: Waterford Crystal Mile – To-Agori-Mou
1981: Waterford Crystal Mile – To-Agori-Mou
1982: Victoria Cup – Indian King
1982: Victoria Cup – Indian King
1982: Earl of Sefton Stakes – Kalaglow
1982: Earl of Sefton Stakes – Kalaglow
1982: Brigadier Gerard Stakes – Kalaglow
1982: Brigadier Gerard Stakes – Kalaglow
1982: Westbury Stakes – Princes Gate
1982: Westbury Stakes – Princes Gate
1982: Cork and Orrery Stakes – Indian King
1982: Cork and Orrery Stakes – Indian King
1982: King George V Handicap – Mubarek Of Kuwait
1982: King George V Handicap – Mubarek Of Kuwait
1982: Eclipse Stakes – Kalaglow
1982: Eclipse Stakes – Kalaglow
1982: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Kalaglow
1982: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Kalaglow
1982: Molecomb Stakes – Kafu
1982: Molecomb Stakes – Kafu
1982: Gordon Stakes – Electric
1982: Gordon Stakes – Electric
1982: Waterford Crystal Mile – Sandhurst Prince
1982: Waterford Crystal Mile – Sandhurst Prince
1982: Vernons Sprint Cup – Indian King
1982: Vernons Sprint Cup – Indian King
1982: Diadem Stakes – Indian King
1982: Diadem Stakes – Indian King
1982: Flying Childers Stakes – Kafu
1982: Flying Childers Stakes – Kafu
1983: Sandown Classic Trial – Gordian
1983: Sandown Classic Trial – Gordian
1983: Queen Elizabeth ll Stakes – Sackford
1983: Queen Elizabeth ll Stakes – Sackford
1983: Queen’s Vase – Santella Man
1983: Queen’s Vase – Santella Man
1983: Chesham Stakes – Head For Heights
1983: Chesham Stakes – Head For Heights
1983: Extel Handicap – Millfontaine
1983: Extel Handicap – Millfontaine
1983: William Hill Futurity – Alphabatim
1983: William Hill Futurity – Alphabatim
1984: Craven Stakes – Lear Fan
1984: Craven Stakes – Lear Fan
1984: Queen Mary Stakes – Hi-Tech Girl
1984: Queen Mary Stakes – Hi-Tech Girl
1984: Chesham Stakes – Old Bailey
1984: Chesham Stakes – Old Bailey
1984: Challenge Stakes – Brocade
1984: Challenge Stakes – Brocade
1985: John Porter Stakes – Jupiter Island
1985: John Porter Stakes – Jupiter Island
1985: Queen Anne Stakes – Rousillon
1985: Queen Anne Stakes – Rousillon
1985: Chesham Stakes – Bakharoff
1985: Chesham Stakes – Bakharoff
1985: Lancashire Oaks – Grecia Magna
1985: Lancashire Oaks – Grecia Magna
1985: Sussex Stakes – Rousillon
1985: Sussex Stakes – Rousillon
1985: Goodwood Stakes – Obertura
1985: Goodwood Stakes – Obertura
1985: William Hill Futurity – Bakharoff
1985: William Hill Futurity – Bakharoff
1986: Craven Stakes – Dancing Brave
1986: Craven Stakes – Dancing Brave
1986: Jockey Club Stakes – Phardante
1986: Jockey Club Stakes – Phardante
1986: Jersey Stakes – Cliveden
1986: Jersey Stakes – Cliveden
1986: Eclipse Stakes – Dancing Brave
1986: Eclipse Stakes – Dancing Brave
1986: Gordon Stakes – Allez Milord
1986: Gordon Stakes – Allez Milord
1986: Goodwood Stakes – Sarfraz
1986: Goodwood Stakes – Sarfraz
1986: Ebor Handicap – Primary
1986: Ebor Handicap – Primary
1986: Yorkshire Oaks – Untold
1986: Yorkshire Oaks – Untold
1987: Jockey Club Stakes – Phardante
1987: Jockey Club Stakes – Phardante
1987: Sagaro Stakes – Sadeem
1987: Sagaro Stakes – Sadeem
1987: Sussex Stakes – Soviet Star
1987: Sussex Stakes – Soviet Star
1987: John’s Smith’s Magnet Cup – Brave Dancer (dead-heat)
1987: John’s Smith’s Magnet Cup – Brave Dancer (dead-heat)
1988: Queen’s Vase – Green Adventure
1988: Queen’s Vase – Green Adventure
1988: Ascot Stakes – Zero Watt
1988: Ascot Stakes – Zero Watt
1988: Ascot Gold Cup – Sadeem
1988: Ascot Gold Cup – Sadeem
1988: Goodwood Cup – Sadeem
1988: Goodwood Cup – Sadeem
1989: Lingfield Derby Trial – Cacoethes
1989: Lingfield Derby Trial – Cacoethes
1989: Brigadier Gerard Stakes – Hibernian Gold
1989: Brigadier Gerard Stakes – Hibernian Gold
1989: Henry II Stakes – Sadeem
1989: Henry II Stakes – Sadeem
1989: Nassau Stakes – Mamaluna
1989: Nassau Stakes – Mamaluna
In Ireland
In Ireland
1978: Irish Derby – Shirley Heights
1978: Irish Derby – Shirley Heights
1978: Irish Oaks – Fair Salinia
1978: Irish Oaks – Fair Salinia
In France:
In France:
1975: Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – Star Appeal
1975: Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – Star Appeal
1980: Grand Criterium – Recitation
1980: Grand Criterium – Recitation
1982: Prix Vermeille – All Along
1982: Prix Vermeille – All Along
1985: Prix du Moulin – Rousillon
1985: Prix du Moulin – Rousillon
1987: Prix de la Foret – Soviet Star
1987: Prix de la Foret – Soviet Star
In Germany
In Germany
1981: Grosser Preis von Baden – Pelerin
1981: Grosser Preis von Baden – Pelerin
In Italy
In Italy
1975: Gran Premio di Milano – Star Appeal
1975: Gran Premio di Milano – Star Appeal
1985: Gran Premio d’Italia – St Hilarion
1985: Gran Premio d’Italia – St Hilarion
1985: Gran Premio del Jockey Club – St Hilarion
1985: Gran Premio del Jockey Club – St Hilarion