Background
Mildmay was the son of Francis Bingham Mildmay, 1st Baron Mildmay of Flete and his wife Alice Grenfell.
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Anthony Bingham Mildmay
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Education
He was educated at Street Cyprian"s School, Eastbourne, where he was encouraged to ride on the South Downs, and at Eton.
Career
He also inspired the Queen Mother’s interest in National Hunt racing. He fought in World World War II, as an officer in the Welsh Guards, rising to the rank of Captain. He succeeded to the title of 2nd Baron Mildmay of Flete on 8 February 1947.
"Nitty" Mildmay, a gaunt, stoop-shouldered six-footer, was a well-known and popular amateur steeplechaser.
He rode in the Grand National before and after the war, becoming known as a persistent "trier", despite several episodes of bad luck. In 1936, riding the 100-1 Davy Jones, he was leading at the 2nd to last fence when a buckle on the reins broke and the horse ran out.
In 1947, he fell at Folkestone and injured his neck, which gave rise to a number of disabling attacks of cramp. In the 1948 Grand National he finished third on his favourite horse Cromwell, after an attack of the cramp meant he was just a passenger.
During his career, he rode no fewer than 32 winners in one season.
He rode eight winners at Cheltenham, including three at The Festival. However, Mildmay’s most notable legacy was probably in kindling an interest in jump-racing in her Majesty the Queen Mother. Mildmay’s trainer Peter Cazalet selected Monaveen for them.
The result was a passion for the sport that lasted the Queen Mother for the rest of her life.
In 1950, Mildmay suffered an attack of cramp while swimming off the south Devon coast. He drowned at the age of 41.
Among them was Manicou, which became the Queen Mother"s second steeplechaser. He is commemorated in several events initiated by his friends.
These include: the Mildmay of Flete Handicap Chase at Cheltenham Racecourse, the Mildmay Stakes at Newton Abbot Racecourse, and the Anthony Mildmay, Peter Cazalet Memorial Chase at Sandown Park Racecourse.
He is also commemorated in The Mildmay Course at Aintree Racecourse, which opened in memory of him, in 1953.
Achievements
Membership
He then went up to Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was a member of the University Pitt Club.
Connections
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Born
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Died
March 12, 1950 (aged 40) -
Nationality
United Kingdom