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Trainer Robert Alner with jockey Robert Walford
Trainer Robert Alner with jockey Robert Walford
Robert Walford, the son of a trainer, was born in Yorkshire on 22 October 1980. While growing up he competed at show jumping and eventing but was soon riding out regularly for his parents and neighbour Mick Easterby. His first job after leaving school was in Dorset with Robert Alner, who later became his father-in-law.
Robert Walford, the son of a trainer, was born in Yorkshire on 22 October 1980. While growing up he competed at show jumping and eventing but was soon riding out regularly for his parents and neighbour Mick Easterby. His first job after leaving school was in Dorset with Robert Alner, who later became his father-in-law.
Beginning as an amateur before turning professional in the early 2000s, Robert rode over 200 winners for an array of trainers, but his two most important successes came on horses trained by Alner, namely Honey Mount in the 2000 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup at Cheltenham, and Kingscliff in the Grade 1 Betfair Chase Haydock in 2005.
Beginning as an amateur before turning professional in the early 2000s, Robert rode over 200 winners for an array of trainers, but his two most important successes came on horses trained by Alner, namely Honey Mount in the 2000 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup at Cheltenham, and Kingscliff in the Grade 1 Betfair Chase Haydock in 2005.
During the summer months, he rode out for David Elsworth for ten years, Ralph Beckett for two years, spent three months in America with Michael Dickinson and a three-month stint riding and racing in France.
During the summer months, he rode out for David Elsworth for ten years, Ralph Beckett for two years, spent three months in America with Michael Dickinson and a three-month stint riding and racing in France.
He had his final ride on City Ground at Catterick Bridge on New Year’s Day 2012, being unseated two out when in fourth place.
He had his final ride on City Ground at Catterick Bridge on New Year’s Day 2012, being unseated two out when in fourth place.
Having established himself with Robert Alner and partner of Robert’s daughter Louise, he started training in 2013, based at Heart Of Oak Racing Stables, Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset.
Having established himself with Robert Alner and partner of Robert’s daughter Louise, he started training in 2013, based at Heart Of Oak Racing Stables, Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset.
His best horses to date have been Carole’s Spirit, Camping Ground and Walk In The Mill. The latter won back-to-back renewals of Aintree’s Becher Chase in 2018 and 2019.
His best horses to date have been Carole’s Spirit, Camping Ground and Walk In The Mill. The latter won back-to-back renewals of Aintree’s Becher Chase in 2018 and 2019.
His brother, Mark, rode successfully and now also trains, based at Sheriff Hutton, Yorkshire.
His brother, Mark, rode successfully and now also trains, based at Sheriff Hutton, Yorkshire.
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