Richard Whitby
Richard Fitzgerald Whitby served his apprenticeship with Matt Peacock at Middleham and remained with him until he volunteered in 1940 for World War II. He served with the 8th Army as a despatch rider, being demobilised in 1946.
Richard Fitzgerald Whitby served his apprenticeship with Matt Peacock at Middleham and remained with him until he volunteered in 1940 for World War II. He served with the 8th Army as a despatch rider, being demobilised in 1946.
He then returned to Middleham and joined Colonel Wilfrid Lyde at Spigot Lodge, for whom he rode several winners under National Hunt rules. They included Royal Trio at Wetherby on Boxing Day 1947.
He then returned to Middleham and joined Colonel Wilfrid Lyde at Spigot Lodge, for whom he rode several winners under National Hunt rules. They included Royal Trio at Wetherby on Boxing Day 1947.
He rode his last winner exactly two years later, on novice hurdler Dancinge at Sedgefield on Boxing Day 1949, although he continued to hold a jockey’s licence until 1953.
He rode his last winner exactly two years later, on novice hurdler Dancinge at Sedgefield on Boxing Day 1949, although he continued to hold a jockey’s licence until 1953.
Having retired from the saddle, Richard remained with Colonel Lyde, going on to become his long-serving assistant head lad.
Having retired from the saddle, Richard remained with Colonel Lyde, going on to become his long-serving assistant head lad.