Breeder (B),  Trainer (T)

Also Known As:  Fred Darling

Associated Places:  Beckhampton, Wiltshire

Description:

Fred Darling, son of Sam Darling Senior, was master of Beckhampton from 1914 to 1947. Hard, uncompromising and ruthless, his stable jockey, Gordon Richards, said of him 'There has been no trainer like him and there never will be. I describe him as a genius'. Fred Darling trained the winners of 19 Classics including 7 Derby winners.

Fred Darling won 26 races the year after he began training, including the Cesarewitch for Lily Langtry. He trained in Germany before returning to take over his father's Beckhampton stable. The horse he rated as his best was one of his first here - Hurry On, bought by Darling for Mr James Buchanan (later Lord Woolavington). Hurry On's son Captain Cuttle adored him so much he held onto his coat sleeves with his teeth; he provided him with his first Derby winner. Later he was to train for George VI, including Big Game and Sun Chariot. When he retired in 1947 he bred yearlings near Beckhampton, including Pinza.