Robert Walker
(c1825 - 1917)
(c1825 - 1917)
Robert Walker was an amateur rider who made the perfect start to his riding career when winning on his first mount in public, Dandy Jim in the Hunt Steeplechase at Doncaster on March 13, 1852.
Robert Walker was an amateur rider who made the perfect start to his riding career when winning on his first mount in public, Dandy Jim in the Hunt Steeplechase at Doncaster on March 13, 1852.
He achieved his biggest success on Snowstorm in the 1870 Scottish Grand National. He also won that year’s Grand Sefton Chase on Keystone.
He achieved his biggest success on Snowstorm in the 1870 Scottish Grand National. He also won that year’s Grand Sefton Chase on Keystone.
He rode Snowstorm in the 1871 Grand National but failed to get round.
He rode Snowstorm in the 1871 Grand National but failed to get round.
Robert rode his last winner on a four-year-old named Heirloom in a steeplechase at Aintree on November 7, 1884 when nearly 60. Heirloom (5-2) made all the running to win by 15 lengths from Cockshot.
Robert rode his last winner on a four-year-old named Heirloom in a steeplechase at Aintree on November 7, 1884 when nearly 60. Heirloom (5-2) made all the running to win by 15 lengths from Cockshot.
He also owned some good horses on the Flat, including Mother Shipton, who won the 1881 Ebor Handicap.
He also owned some good horses on the Flat, including Mother Shipton, who won the 1881 Ebor Handicap.
He spent his final years in Cleethorpes, dying on November 17, 1917.
He spent his final years in Cleethorpes, dying on November 17, 1917.
His brother George was also a successful amateur jockey. The best horse he rode was Pensioner, on whom he won a big handicap chase at Bedford and the Lincoln Autumn Steeplechase.
His brother George was also a successful amateur jockey. The best horse he rode was Pensioner, on whom he won a big handicap chase at Bedford and the Lincoln Autumn Steeplechase.