Following a highly successful career in England, Bill Warne became stable jockey for the Kaiser in 1891; as such, he enjoyed even greater success, becoming leading jockey at Baden-Baden for eleven consecutive seasons. He was the German Champion Jockey in seasons 1903 and 1904.

Winning, as he did, the 1909 German Derby on Arnfried and three St Legers, he became a rich man, the toast of Germany, a celebrity, who was invited to the Kaiser's parties. But then came the war of 1914. As an Englishman living in Germany, he was immediately interned in the notorious Ruhleben Camp: his entire fortune of over £50,000 confiscated.

After the war, he sailed for England, penniless, disheartened and bitter. Aged 49, there was little work for him. Reg Day, the Newmarket trainer, gave him exercise rides and a few mounts in races, but four years of confinement had robbed Bill of the knack,

Then his health collapsed, and for thirty years he eked out a living by an odd racing tip and the generosity of former friends. Despite failing health, in fair weather and foul, Warne walked the three miles to Newmarket to attend the races each day in the racing season.

On the way to see the 1952 2,000 Guineas, he met Mrs Grace Rickaby, mother of top jockey, Bill Rickaby. While they were talking, Bill was knocked down by a racegoer, suffering an injured shoulder. Ignoring Mrs Rickaby's plea that he should see a doctor, Bill insisted that he would not miss the race. Days later, pneumonia set in. Bill Warne died in Glanely Rest Home, at Exning, near Newmarket, on June 3, 1952, aged 83.