The Queen’s ex-jockey Philip Waldron dies – lorry driver’s son who grew to become racing champion

Queen Elizabeth II’s former jockey has died aged 75.

Philip Waldron rose from the son of a lorry drive to become the Queen’s jockey – winning multiple Group 1 events and wearing the famous royal silks to victory 21 times. However, he didn’t sit on a horse until he was 15.

In his youth, Waldron had been a keen boxer. But he changed his career path under legendary trainer Ian Balding – and he was crowned as champion apprentice in 1970, just one year after his first winner.

Waldron was runner-up in the 1980 Derby on Henry Candy’s 22-1 outsider Master Willie. They peaked the following year, winning the Coronation Cup, Eclipse and Jockey Club Stakes.

Speaking about their lucrative partnership, Candy said: “We had a few good years together and he was a good stable jockey for us.

“I think my father had initially tried to get Pat Eddery to ride for us, but he went to Peter Walwyn and Philip came to us, which worked out well.

“I remember him being a very good judge of a horse at home. He used to come in twice a week to ride work, and he was very good at telling you accurately about a horse. When it came to races he was excellent as well, very strong.

“He was a nice guy too. He was brilliant to get along with and we used to go racing plenty together.”

Waldron left Candy in 1981 and took on a retainer with Esal Commodities. Waldron recorded more than 2,000 winners in all, riding in 17 countries, and had his final rides in 1996.

He travelled to the Far East after retiring, where he worked as a jockey mentor and starter at Sha Tin racecourse. However, he returned to Europe and moved to Spain.

He passed away in Spain on Thursday and is survived by his son, Tim, and granddaughter Ella.