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ACCOMPLISHED RIDER AND TRAINER. W. A. Higgs. popularly known as "Billy," did not have a particularly lengthy career in tiie saddle, but he made a good deal of history in a comparatively brief period. Of Irish extraction, Higgs was born within sound of Bow Bolls in the early days of the year 1881. His early riding was mainly associated with the Emerald Isle, though he occasionally crossed the St. Georges Channel to take a mount or two in England. Eventually his chief patron, Mr. J. C. Sullivan, who owned Winkfields Pride. Berrill and other celebrities, induced him to take up his residence in this country, and in 1905 he became one of the "regulars" in the ranks of English riders. His first full season, moreover, was eminently satisfactory from Higgs point of view, seeing that his aggregate of winners exceeded the century, the precise number being 107, and when the curtain was rung down at Manchester he held third place in the table to E. Wheatley and Otto Madden. He met with a somewhat nasty mishap in the course of the year, being badly kicked bv a horse belonging to Lord I erby while at the" post for the St. Georges Stakes at Liverpool. Higgs had weighed cut for Shilfa. but owing to his injury-was unable to ride, and was deputized by W. Ilalsey. Fortunately the accident left no permanent ill-effects. Being of a handy weight, it was not surprising that Higgs. having once established himself, should get plenty of riding. He was first jockey for the Beekhampton Stable, while he continued to wear tiie colors of his old patron. Mr. Sullivan. At tin* end of his second season he had attained premier position in the winning list, finishing up with 149 victories as against the 104 of Madden, who held second place. In 1907 he again headed the table with 115 wins. Maher being second with 114: but in 190S he had to be content with third position. Maher being on top with 139. and F. Wootton second with 129. or •four in excess of Higgs, who was likewise third in the following season. In subsequent years lie didH not figure with much prominence, though he con- H tinned to ride until the end of 1913. his last win- H rting mount being en Northvale at the Windsor Oc-H taker meeting, and his final appearance on Hounam H at Manchester in November. M Higgs rode many important winners, but his nilvH victory in tin classics was that on Slieve Jallion H in the Two Thousand of 1907. Cantain Greer*! coital was favorite for the Derby, but was beaten bv hothH Orby aid Wool Winder. Higgs also filled a similarH position on William the Fourth behind Miiioru andH Loarten two years later. His hobby nowadays iM breeding. Scot h Duke and Winnaretta being ;il couple from his stud; while he also runs a few. oueH of which. Wet Kiss, won an acceptable stake atH Windsor a few weeks ago. — London Sporting l.ile.H
