Gordon Richards is a name that cannot be overlooked when discussing jockeys. Gordon Richards, also known as Sir Gordon Richards, is regarded as one of the greatest jockeys of all time. Sir Gordon Richards was born in May of 1904 A.D. The athlete was the Flat racing champion for England’s Jockey.
He is widely regarded as the greatest rider of all time, having won the British flat racing championship 26 times. Sir Gordon Richards was the first knighted jockey in the world. Below, we will delve deeper into Gordon Richards’ net worth, life, and career.
What is the Net Worth of Gordon Richards? Salary, Earnings
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Gordon Richards has an estimated net worth of £829,650 Gordon, an avid English jockey player and one of the most well-known athlete personalities, amassed a sizable healthy net worth during his career as a jockey athlete. Gordon undoubtedly amassed considerable wealth from his primary career as an athlete.
He represented England in several World Championships and other competitions, which helped to boost the athlete’s net worth. Gordon Richard has a net worth of £829,650, according to various sources. His net worth is primarily determined by his estimated salary and income as an athlete of $500,500.
Gordon Richards’ net worth is also derived from several endorsements and various sponsorships as a result of his widespread popularity.
Where was Gordon Richards born? Ethnicity, Nationality, Family, Education
Gordon Richards grew up in the Shropshire village of Donnington Wood, the son of a coal miner (now part of Telford). Food was scarce during those times. As a result, volunteers fed the children at Donnington Wood Infant School and served a simple dinner at the Baptist Chapel.
Sir Gordon’s father raised many pit ponies on their property, and it was in this environment that he developed his interest in horses. On the property, stables were eventually built, and six horses were purchased. At the age of seven, Gordon was able to drive a trap and look after them.
He rode the ponies bareback from a young age. From the age of seven, Gordon drove the pony and trap passenger service his family ran between Wrockwardine Wood and Oaken Gates station. He developed his distinctive riding technique at that age, which included a long rein and an erect stance.
Two of his brothers, Colin and Clifford, inherited his passion for horses and became jockeys as well; the latter was a Classic winner.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Sir Gordon Richards |
| Date Of Birth | May 5th, 1904 |
| Place of Birth | Wheaton, Maryland, England |
| Nick/Pet Name | Gordon Richards |
| Religion | Not known |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethnic Belonging | Not Known |
| Father’s Name | Not Known |
| Mother’s Name | Not Known |
| Number of Siblings | Two Brothers
|
| Education | School Drop-Out |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Died | 10 November 1986 (aged 82) |
| Height | Not available |
| Weight | Not available |
| Eye color | Not Known |
| Hair Color | Not Known |
| Shoe Size | Unavailable |
| Body Measurement | Not Known |
| Figure | Not Known |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Not Known |
| Children | Not Known |
| Occupation | English horse jockey |
| Net worth | £829,650 |
| Salary | $500,500 |
| Active Since | 1921 A.D. |
| Significant horses | Belle of All, Big Game, Cameronian, Migoli, Nasrullah, Pasch, Pinza, Reform, Sun Chariot, Tudor Minstrel |
| Career Wins | 4,870 |
| Racing awards | British flat racing Champion Jockey 26 times |
| Honors | Knighthood (1953) |
| Last Update | September 2022 |
How did Gordon Richards start his Professional Career?
Gordon Richards dropped out of school at the age of 13 and began working toward his dream of becoming a world-famous jockey. Furthermore, at the age of 15, Richards was able to secure a position as a stable boy at Fox Hollies Stable in Wiltshire.
Jimmy White recognized Richards’ riding abilities in a short period. Jimmy White then made his racing debut at a race in Lincoln. In addition, he won the first race, and his fortune began right after that. In the year 1921 A.D., he made his professional debut.
Following that, his dedication to his goal was palpable. His determination to succeed as a jockey was unwavering. His determination and discipline were two of his success mantras. He was fully prepared for Jockey by the age of 21. Surprisingly, he won 118 races during his first year and became a champion.
Career Health Circumstances
Following a super hit debut, the Jockey star was forced to put his career on hold for some time in 1926 A.D. The athlete was diagnosed with tuberculosis and had to retire from racing. In February, his appendix was removed, and in March, he developed pleurisy while riding in a blizzard in Lincoln.
After being defeated on a hot favorite, Vermillion Pencil, at Chester, he was transferred to Mr. Hartigan’s brother, Dr. John Hartigan, in Cardiff. When he was X-rayed, a spot on his lung was discovered. The athlete was admitted to Mundesley Sanatorium in Norfolk, where he stayed from May to December.
By the end of the year, he had slowly begun to recover and had resumed racing. Sir Gordon began to enjoy his back-to-back massive success again in 1927.Gordon’s achievement of breaking the fifty-year-old track record for “greatest number of victories in a year” by earning 259 victories in his Jockey belt in the year 1932 A.D. was one of the most significant victories in his career.
Sir Gordon won the Two Thousand Guineas by eight lengths at Newmarket Racecourse a few years later.
Career Highlights
Gordon Richard became the only and first jockey athlete to be knighted in 1953. Knighthood is an honorary title bestowed upon British citizens who have rendered exceptional service. When someone is knighted, they are addressed as “Sir.”Among the well-known actors knighted by Queen Elizabeth are Sir Gordon Richards, Elton John, Sean Connery, and Charlie Chaplin.
Furthermore, he was able to take first place in the Epson Derby. The Epson Derby was the only race he had not won during his racing career, but he eventually did. The crowd was ecstatic to see Sir Richard race and said it was a visual treat. Not to mention that he was repeatedly congratulated by the Queen of England for his performance.
His total of 4,870 victories remains the British record, and he was Champion Jockey 26 times.
Injury and Retirement for Gordon Richards
Sir Gordon Richard’s riding career was cut short due to a pelvic injury, which shocked jockey fans. His injury triggered him a lot, and his ability to ride downhill suffered as a result.
He then changed his career path to becoming a trainer. Following that, he began training and advising. As a result, he lived his post-retirement life as a well-liked and respected man.
Life and Death
He passed away in 1986. He was laid to rest in St Mary’s Church in Marlborough, Wiltshire, following a service at St Mary’s in Kintbury, Berkshire. His accomplishments were recognized in his home county of Shropshire, where a bar named The Champion Jockey and the ‘Pinza Suite’ in Oakengates Theatre was named after his winning horse.
In 2002, jump jockey Tony McCoy broke Richards’ record for most victories in a season. By flying between courses, McCoy was able to use modern technology and compete in more races than Sir Gordon during the season. With 4,870 victories, Richards still holds the British record. He’s also the rider with the most victories in a row (Half at a night meeting).
Furthermore, he won the British flat racing championship 26 times. In 1999, he was ranked 17th among the 100 Makers of 20th Century Horse Racing by the Racing Post, and first among the Top 50 Jockeys of the 20th Century.
Sir Gordon Richards died, shocking his fans, but his legacy lives on in the memories of those who witnessed his greatness, as well as in the Champion Jockey pub in Donnington Wood that bears his name.
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