Willie Smith
1888 - 1922
1888 - 1922
Willie Sydney Smith was killed in a fall at Gatwick on Thursday January 5 1922, aged 33.
Willie Sydney Smith was killed in a fall at Gatwick on Thursday January 5 1922, aged 33.
Riding a chance mount, Sir Eyre, Willie fell two fences from home in the Clayton Selling Steeplechase. He suffered a broken neck.
Riding a chance mount, Sir Eyre, Willie fell two fences from home in the Clayton Selling Steeplechase. He suffered a broken neck.
This tragedy occurred less than a month after jockey F. Cheshire was killed by the fall of Corman at Sandown on December 10.
This tragedy occurred less than a month after jockey F. Cheshire was killed by the fall of Corman at Sandown on December 10.
By no means an artistic rider, Willie remained nevertheless a strong horseman and a plucky man. He was one of the few men riding at the time who, when the situation demanded it would 'risk his arm' at a fence.
By no means an artistic rider, Willie remained nevertheless a strong horseman and a plucky man. He was one of the few men riding at the time who, when the situation demanded it would 'risk his arm' at a fence.
He was not by any means a lucky jockey, being often laid up and unable to ride by minor accidents.
He was not by any means a lucky jockey, being often laid up and unable to ride by minor accidents.
Willie went on to become champion jockey in 1917, albeit with just 15 winners.
Willie went on to become champion jockey in 1917, albeit with just 15 winners.
He was unplaced in 1919 The Grand National on Farque, and came fourth the following year on Sergeant Murphy.
He was unplaced in 1919 The Grand National on Farque, and came fourth the following year on Sergeant Murphy.
He won the Grand Sefton Steeplechase over the National course on General Saxham in 1920.
He won the Grand Sefton Steeplechase over the National course on General Saxham in 1920.
Willie left four children, two boys and twin sisters. Willie, never having made a large income, left them inadequately provided for.
Willie left four children, two boys and twin sisters. Willie, never having made a large income, left them inadequately provided for.
His death sparked talk of the National Hunt Committee being made to devise some scheme whereby men like Willie, who make racing under their rules possible, would not, if killed, have to leave their dependents to exist on charity.
His death sparked talk of the National Hunt Committee being made to devise some scheme whereby men like Willie, who make racing under their rules possible, would not, if killed, have to leave their dependents to exist on charity.
It was suggested that some simple scheme of insurance to which owners, executives and the public would subscribe, could be formulated without much trouble.
It was suggested that some simple scheme of insurance to which owners, executives and the public would subscribe, could be formulated without much trouble.
As was the fashion of the day, though the public was made aware of his death which occurred in the first race, racing continued throughout the afternoon.
As was the fashion of the day, though the public was made aware of his death which occurred in the first race, racing continued throughout the afternoon.