Jockey Francis or Frank Buckle was the hero in many a tale of racing prowess. Born in 1766 he had caught the eye of noble benefactors who paid him to ride their horses to win races across the country. Many of these races were in Newmarket, where he was born.
He competed in countless races, winning the Epsom Derby five times, the St Leger twice and clocking 27 big wins in his career. It was noted that he would travel from his home in Peterborough to races in places like Newmarket, compete and travel home on the same day, demonstrating the stamina and dedication he had. He continued to race into his 60s, maintaining his slender physique all his life.
He lived for a while at Long Orton, known now as Orton Longueville, then to Peterborough for Earl Fitzwilliam, whilst also finding a larger farm in Orton. There he kept cattle and bred dogs, as well as entering his cockerels in fights, a sport synonymous with horse racing and gamblers. Orton Longueville remained a small village at the time and contained both Hall Farm and Long Orton Town Farm. He lived at the farm with his second wife and their three boys, including his son Samuel, an early photographer.
He died on 5th February 1832 shortly after retirement and was buried in Holy Trinity Church, Orton Longueville. He rests beneath a tomb bearing the inscription:
No better rider ever crossed a horse, Honour his guide, he died without remorse, Jockeys attend - from his example learn, The meed that honest worth is sure to earn.
These were references to his honesty and fair playing in his sport. He was very well respected earning the nicknames 'the old Governor' and 'the Prime Minister.'
His tomb can be viewed at Holy Trinity Church, described in his obituary as a 'neat church, overgrown with ivy, and surrounded with the ancient oak and stately elm which envelop the adjoining seat of Lord Strathavon.'
References:
'Memoirs of the Late Francis Buckle', Stamford Mercury, 11 May 1832, p. 4.
Wikipedia: Francis Buckle
Image: Francis Buckle by William Camden Edwards via Wikipedia
