The Last of the Corinthians

This photograph hangs on the wall in one of the historic bars at Aintree Racecourse. It is Lord Anthony Mildmay of Flete who was affectionately known as "the Last of the Corinthians", after whom Aintree's Mildmay course was named.

He was a highly respected rider and Champion Amateur five years in succession in the late 1940s. He and Davy Jones looked to be winning the 1936 Grand National when the reins snapped at the second-last, causing the horse to run out.

One of the wonderful advantages of working for a client like The Jockey Club is the interesting heritage and history that is to be discovered at every venue. My year working at Leeds Castle reignited my interest in history and stories from the past.

Lord Anthony looks like he knew what he wanted and has that determined confidence on his expression. I would have liked to have met him, I'm sure he would've had a few stories to tell. Of course, I do have a soft spot for a man in britches.