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Roy L. Gilbert

1938 – 1961

American jockey

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About Roy L. Gilbert

Lived 1938 – 1961 (aged 22). Roy L. Gilbert was an American jockey.

Roy Lee Gilbert (June 18, 1938 – April 4, 1961) was an American Thoroughbred horse racing jockey who died as a result of a racing accident. A United Press International news release at the time of his death called him "one of the most promising young jockeys in the country."

Early life Born in London, Kentucky, Roy Gilbert was one of 19 children. He began working in the Thoroughbred racing industry in 1954 as a stable hand then as an exercise rider for the future U.S. Racing Hall of Fame trainer, Woody Stephens. In 1957, Gilbert began riding professionally but in June 1958 was sidelined for a time after he suffered a broken leg as a result of being thrown from his horse during a race at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, New Jersey.

Death On April 4, 1961, at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, New York, Gilbert was thrown from his horse Plenty Papaya, during the fourth race, and struck his head on the concrete base of a rail post. He died on the way to hospital. He was a few months shy of his 23rd birthday.

Personal life His brother William had been a jockey, and their nephew, Bobby Gilbert, became a jockey in 1975 at age 17.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Also known as
Roy Lee Gilbert

People in Roy L. Gilbert's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Roy L. Gilbert's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Roy L. Gilbert?

American jockey

When was Roy L. Gilbert born?

Roy L. Gilbert was born on 18 June 1938 in London.

When did Roy L. Gilbert die?

Roy L. Gilbert died on 4 April 1961.

What was Roy L. Gilbert's occupation?

Roy L. Gilbert was a jockey.

What nationality was Roy L. Gilbert?

Roy L. Gilbert was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Roy L. Gilbert

· Wikidata: Q7373049

· DBpedia: Roy L. Gilbert

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Roy L. Gilbert. https://biography.guide/roy-l-gilbert/

MLA: "Roy L. Gilbert." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/roy-l-gilbert/.

Chicago: "Roy L. Gilbert." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/roy-l-gilbert/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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