William Wheatley
1786 - 1848
1786 - 1848
William Wheatley was born in Cambridgeshire in 1786, the posthumous son of leading jockey Anthony Wheatley, who died at Newmarket towards the end of 1785 and was buried on 31 December. Anthony’s wife, Mary, gave birth to William the following year. She died in 1818, aged 63.
William Wheatley was born in Cambridgeshire in 1786, the posthumous son of leading jockey Anthony Wheatley, who died at Newmarket towards the end of 1785 and was buried on 31 December. Anthony’s wife, Mary, gave birth to William the following year. She died in 1818, aged 63.
Anthony and Mary had several children including a son named Anthony (died 1838) who was also a jockey and won the 1795 Derby on Spread Eagle, a victory which is often mistakenly credited to his father.
Anthony and Mary had several children including a son named Anthony (died 1838) who was also a jockey and won the 1795 Derby on Spread Eagle, a victory which is often mistakenly credited to his father.
Another jockey brother was Arthur Wheatley, who rode for Sir Frank Standish, whose horses were trained by Joshua Hallam. Arthur died young in February 1807, aged 32.
Another jockey brother was Arthur Wheatley, who rode for Sir Frank Standish, whose horses were trained by Joshua Hallam. Arthur died young in February 1807, aged 32.
William emulated his elder brother Anthony by winning the Derby. In fact, he won five Classic races including two Derby victories. The first of those Epsom triumphs was in 1816 Derby on the Duke of York’s Prince Leopold which, because of a growing ill-temper, was castrated at the end of the 1817 racing season. The operation was not a success; the horse died shortly after.
William emulated his elder brother Anthony by winning the Derby. In fact, he won five Classic races including two Derby victories. The first of those Epsom triumphs was in 1816 Derby on the Duke of York’s Prince Leopold which, because of a growing ill-temper, was castrated at the end of the 1817 racing season. The operation was not a success; the horse died shortly after.
In 1831, William had the distinction of riding Spaniel, possibly the worst ever winner of the Derby. The runner-up, Riddlesworth, was ridden by the crooked jockey Harry Edwards, whom many suspect to have deliberately lost. After his shock, 50-1, Epsom win, the colt was beaten by a filly, then flopped in three races the next season before being sold. Spaniel then slid further into decline by racing at such minor tracks as Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Brecon.
In 1831, William had the distinction of riding Spaniel, possibly the worst ever winner of the Derby. The runner-up, Riddlesworth, was ridden by the crooked jockey Harry Edwards, whom many suspect to have deliberately lost. After his shock, 50-1, Epsom win, the colt was beaten by a filly, then flopped in three races the next season before being sold. Spaniel then slid further into decline by racing at such minor tracks as Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Brecon.
William originally placed a £25 bet at 40-1 on the Spaniel winning; however, such were the bad vibes about the horse that he managed to cancel the bet at the last moment, costing himself £1,000 in the process.
William originally placed a £25 bet at 40-1 on the Spaniel winning; however, such were the bad vibes about the horse that he managed to cancel the bet at the last moment, costing himself £1,000 in the process.
Although said by some to be hard on his mounts, he was nonetheless held in high regard by his fellow jockeys for the quiet, unfussy way in which he rode, frequently winning when least expected.
Although said by some to be hard on his mounts, he was nonetheless held in high regard by his fellow jockeys for the quiet, unfussy way in which he rode, frequently winning when least expected.
In addition to his five classic triumphs he also won the 1823 Ascot Gold Cup on Marcellus.
In addition to his five classic triumphs he also won the 1823 Ascot Gold Cup on Marcellus.
William Wheatley died in Kingsland, London, in February 1848. In his old age he was much comforted by the assistance he derived from John Gully, his patron during the active portion of his racing career.
William Wheatley died in Kingsland, London, in February 1848. In his old age he was much comforted by the assistance he derived from John Gully, his patron during the active portion of his racing career.
His classic wins were:
His classic wins were:
Two Thousand Guineas: Manfred (1817), Nicolo (1823) and Schahriar (1824).
Two Thousand Guineas: Manfred (1817), Nicolo (1823) and Schahriar (1824).
Derby: Prince Leopold (1816) and Spaniel (1831).
Derby: Prince Leopold (1816) and Spaniel (1831).