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1885 - 1963
1885 - 1963
The nomadic Walter Sibbritt was born in Western Australia in 1885. After spending his early years there, he rode abroad in Mauritius, France, India and England.
The nomadic Walter Sibbritt was born in Western Australia in 1885. After spending his early years there, he rode abroad in Mauritius, France, India and England.
His first win came aged 12 in Kalgoolie. His feet were then too small for normal riding boots, so his mother made him a pair. He became a prolific winner on the Perth tracks, including victory in the 1918 Perth Cup.
His first win came aged 12 in Kalgoolie. His feet were then too small for normal riding boots, so his mother made him a pair. He became a prolific winner on the Perth tracks, including victory in the 1918 Perth Cup.
In 1924, his father-in-law, Frank Bullock (himself a prolific traveller and winner) persuaded him to try his luck abroad. Walter then rode briefly in Mauritius, winning that country’s top event, the Maidan Cup. He then spent time in Ceylon and India, returning to them many times over the years.
In 1924, his father-in-law, Frank Bullock (himself a prolific traveller and winner) persuaded him to try his luck abroad. Walter then rode briefly in Mauritius, winning that country’s top event, the Maidan Cup. He then spent time in Ceylon and India, returning to them many times over the years.
For the next ten years Wally based himself in France where the highlight of his career came when winning the Arc de Triomphe in 1935 on Samos.
For the next ten years Wally based himself in France where the highlight of his career came when winning the Arc de Triomphe in 1935 on Samos.
He came to England on a rare visit in 1929 and promptly won the One Thousand Guineas on Taj Mah.
He came to England on a rare visit in 1929 and promptly won the One Thousand Guineas on Taj Mah.
His first ride in England - a winning one - came on Quick Return at Leicester on March 31, 1927.
His first ride in England - a winning one - came on Quick Return at Leicester on March 31, 1927.
Walter died in 1963.
Walter died in 1963.
The Indian turf pays tribute to him each year by running the W.J. Sibbritt Memorial Plate.
The Indian turf pays tribute to him each year by running the W.J. Sibbritt Memorial Plate.
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