Person

1766 - 1832

Francis Buckle (1766–1832), also known as Frank Buckle was an English jockey. He won at least 27 British Classic Races during his 49 year-long career as a jockey, a record which would not be beaten for over 150 years. Buckle was born to a saddler in Newmarket. His parents died when he was 12, and he was brought up by an aunt. He started racing at the stables of Richard Vernon, making his first appearance in May 1783 at the age of 16. He rode a bay colt called Wolf, and met the scales weighing only 3st 13lbs (25 kg). His mentor was Sam Chifney, from who he learnt his customary riding style - holding his horse up for a late run. His first win in one of the English Classics came in 1792, riding Lord Grosvenor's colt John Bull, who he thought was the best horse he ever rode. Grosvenor would provide Buckle with three more Classic winners - Daedalus in the 1794 Derby, Nike in the 1797 Oaks and Bellina in the 1799 Oaks. After Grosvenor's death, Buckle formed a profitable partnership with the leading trainer of the time, Robert Robson. With Robson, and his main owners the 3rd and 4th Dukes of Grafton. In 1800, he won both the St. Leger Stakes and The Derby on Champion. In his career, Buckle rode 27 Classic wins, including 5 Derby winners, 9 Epsom Oaks and 2 St Legers. Besides Lord Grosvenor and the Dukes of Grafton, Buckle also rode for Sir Charles Bunbury and Colonel Mellish. One of his most famous victories came at the 1799 Craven meeting at Newmarket. Buckle on Hambletonian met Diamond, ridden by Dennis Fitzpatrick, in a 4-mile 1+1⁄2-furlong match race and Hambletonian won by half a neck. His last classics were the two Guineas of 1827, when, aged 60, he won on Arab and Turcoman. His last ride was on Conservator at Newmarket e at 8st 7lb (54 kg). Only months after retiring from the saddle he died on 5 February 1832. He is buried in the Orton Longueville, parish churchyard.