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Derby-winning jockey Freddie Palmer dies aged 98

Freddie Palmer with 1955 Derby winner Phil Drake
Freddie Palmer with 1955 Derby winner Phil DrakeCredit: Barron

French-based Derby-winning jockey Freddie Palmer has died aged 98.

Palmer, born December 15, 1921, was a huge name on the Flat in the 1950s. He rode Phil Drake to victory in the Derby in 1955 and Rapace to win the French edition in the same season.

Other notable success in Britain included two wins in the Ascot Gold Cup, firstly with Wallaby in 1959 and then Balto three years later. Palmer won the Oaks in 1956 with Sicarelle and the following season rode Montaval to land the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

He won the Grand Prix de Paris three times and had four successes in the Prix Royal-Oak. In 1962 he recorded a second win in the Prix du Jockey Club with Val de Loir.

Palmer began a training career in 1964 and enjoyed a first Classic winner with Fine Pearl in the Prix de Diane just two years after taking out a licence. He also trained Le Chouan to win the Prix Royal-Oak.

In 1990 Palmer finished a 36-year training career, during which time he also helped progress the careers of Jean-Claude Rouget, Patrick Monfort and Christian Scandella.


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