Philip Blacker

Philip Blacker (b. 1949 ) was a jockey until his retirement in 1982. Since then, he has been a sculptor of sporting arts.

He is the son of General Sir Cecil Blacker.

Career

Jockey Blacker became a professional jockey at the start of the 1969/1970 season and remained so for 13 years, during which time he rode 340 winners. and has sat on various committees including the British Horseracing Authorities Security and Investigations Committee.

In 1973 Blacker finished fourth on Spanish Steps in the first Grand National won by Red Rum. In 1977 Blacker finished seventh on Happy Ranger to Red Rum, winning his third and final Grand National. Blacker said that 1982 was "my one big chance to win the race". A former art student prior to his days as a jockey, unveiled one year later by the Princess Royal.

He has produced numerous works across the UK and abroad; including racecourse bronzes of Best Mate at Cheltenham, Generous at Epsom, Persian Punch at Newmarket, Desert Orchid at Kempton Park, Makybe Diva at Flemington in Melbourne, Northern Dancer at Woodbine in Canada and an 18-foot stallion in Saudi Arabia.

In January 2017 he produced a limited edition of 400 small bronze replicas of the Red Rum statue at Aintree, to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Red Rum's third Grand National victory.