Sir Gordon Richards (5 May 1904 – 10 November 1986) was an English jockey. He was the British flat racing Champion Jockey 26 times and is often considered the world's greatest ever jockey. He remains the only flat jockey to have been knighted.

Early life

Gordon Richards was raised in the Shropshire village of Donnington Wood (now part of Telford), the son of a Shropshire coal miner. His father reared several pit ponies at their home, and it was in this environment that Sir Gordon fostered his love of the equestrian. He rode the ponies bareback from an early age, then from the age of seven, drove the pony and trap passenger service his family ran between Wrockwardine Wood and Oakengates station. It was at that age no doubt that he developed his unique riding style, using a long rein and an upright stance. He had two brothers, Colin and Clifford, who shared this love of horses and also became jockeys: the latter was a Classic winning jockey.

Career

After leaving school he took the first step towards becoming a jockey, becoming a stable boy aged 15 at Fox Hollies Stable in Wiltshire, owned by Jimmy White.

Gordon Richards (23 October 1933 – 17 November 1993) is a former Welsh footballer.

Playing career

Richards joined Wrexham as an amateur in 1950 and turned professional two years later. He went on to play almost 100 league matches in the next six years with Wrexham, but by January 1958 he was allowed to move to local rivals Chester after losing his place in the side.

Often a tormenter of Chester's defence when playing against them, Richards helped repay his new employers by scoring on his debut in a 4–2 win against Southport. He played at Sealand Road until a knee injury forced him to leave professional football in 1961, going on to briefly play for GKN Sankey.

Away from football, Richards worked for United Gravel and then Bond Delivery until he took early retirement in 1989.

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