Embedded Files
Hector Skyrme
Hector Skyrme
1908-2002
1908-2002
Born on May 25, 1908, Hector Llewellyn Skyrme spent most his life in Wantage and was almost certainly born there. He was employed as a head lad with Jack Anthony and looked after dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Easter Hero, owned by American Jock Whitney.
Born on May 25, 1908, Hector Llewellyn Skyrme spent most his life in Wantage and was almost certainly born there. He was employed as a head lad with Jack Anthony and looked after dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Easter Hero, owned by American Jock Whitney.
He had his first ride when Aurelio was unplaced in the Shottesbrook Novices’ Hurdle at Hawthorn Hill on November 4, 1935. It was to be more than two years before he gained his only victory.
He had his first ride when Aurelio was unplaced in the Shottesbrook Novices’ Hurdle at Hawthorn Hill on November 4, 1935. It was to be more than two years before he gained his only victory.
On Easter Monday, April 18, 1938, his mount Swindle narrowly got the better of Russelstone, ridden by Joseph Vowles, to land the Kingwell Selling Handicap Hurdle at Wincanton. The seven-year-old, trained by Captain Albert Bankier, had failed to win in eight previous starts that season despite being ridden three times by champion jockey Gerry Wilson. The winning margin over the runner-up, who was receiving 25lb from Swindle, was just a head.
On Easter Monday, April 18, 1938, his mount Swindle narrowly got the better of Russelstone, ridden by Joseph Vowles, to land the Kingwell Selling Handicap Hurdle at Wincanton. The seven-year-old, trained by Captain Albert Bankier, had failed to win in eight previous starts that season despite being ridden three times by champion jockey Gerry Wilson. The winning margin over the runner-up, who was receiving 25lb from Swindle, was just a head.
That month was one of celebration for Hector. Not only did he ride his first, and only, winner, but he also married Gwenda Cox (1919-1989) in Wantage. At that time, he was living in Warborough Cottages, Berkshire. They had one child, Joy Myfanwy Skyrme.
That month was one of celebration for Hector. Not only did he ride his first, and only, winner, but he also married Gwenda Cox (1919-1989) in Wantage. At that time, he was living in Warborough Cottages, Berkshire. They had one child, Joy Myfanwy Skyrme.
Hector continued his career until National Hunt racing closed down for the remainder of World War II, his final ride coming on jump racing’s biggest stage, at Cheltenham in the National Hunt Handicap Chase on March 14, 1942, when National Night, owned by Easter Hero’s owner Jock Whitney, was a faller.
Hector continued his career until National Hunt racing closed down for the remainder of World War II, his final ride coming on jump racing’s biggest stage, at Cheltenham in the National Hunt Handicap Chase on March 14, 1942, when National Night, owned by Easter Hero’s owner Jock Whitney, was a faller.
He trained a small string of horses for a few years in the 1950s, based at Heddington, near Calne, in Wiltshire.
He trained a small string of horses for a few years in the 1950s, based at Heddington, near Calne, in Wiltshire.
Hector Skyrme died in Wantage, Oxfordshire, on January 2, 2002, aged 93.
Hector Skyrme died in Wantage, Oxfordshire, on January 2, 2002, aged 93.
Hector's solitary winner, Swindle
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse