Clare Heald
Encyclopedia
Clare Mary Heald (28 August 1895 - 11 March 1973), or as she was to become later when she re-married, Clare Miller, was a well-known horsewoman
in her day, and horrified the hierarchy of racing in 1930 by applying for a licence to ride under both Jockey Club
(flat) and National Hunt (steeplechase) rules.
She was strongly supported by 'Brab' (Lord Brabazon
), the famous airman and racing motorist, and others, and it was her intention one day to win, if she could, both the Derby
and the Grand National
. She had to content herself with winning some 30 point-to-point races in England and later in Kenya. One of her stallions was Syndrian, brother to Sicyon, both bred by Solly Joel (Solomon Joel
).
Born Clare Mary Harding, she came from a large family at Old Springs, Staffordshire. A niece of the Earl of Denbigh
, and of Baron Clifford of Chudleigh
, her first husband was William Henry Arthur Heald, himself an early airman, and brother of Sir Lionel Heald
, the Attorney General
, well known to Rhodesians as a member of the ill-fated Monckton Commission. Her second husband was Lt Comdr John Bryan Peter Duppa-Miller
, G.C.
, one of the twelve naval officers who volunteered to dismantle the magnetic mines which were dropped off by the Germans over London in the autumn of 1940. With him, she settled in Salisbury, Rhodesia, in 1965. Her daughter Ann was married to Keith Stainton
, the M.P. for Sudbury & Woodbridge. She had six grandchildren. She was a very gentle character, known for her gardening skills and her love of Siamese cats, which she bred for half a century.
In the middle of her fight with the Jockey Club
, she was interviewed by a reporter for the Financial Times
. Asked what she thought would happen to the punters if women were allowed to ride, she replied 'They lose too much now, backing what they think is the best horse. God only knows what will happen if they start backing what they think is the prettiest face!'
Clare Miller died in Salisbury, Rhodesia on 11 March 1973.
Equestrianism
Equestrianism more often known as riding, horseback riding or horse riding refers to the skill of riding, driving, or vaulting with horses...
in her day, and horrified the hierarchy of racing in 1930 by applying for a licence to ride under both Jockey Club
Jockey Club
The Jockey Club is the largest commercial organisation in British horseracing. Although no longer responsible for the governance and regulation of the sport, it owns 14 of Britain's famous racecourses, including Aintree, Cheltenham and Newmarket, amongst other concerns such as the National Stud and...
(flat) and National Hunt (steeplechase) rules.
She was strongly supported by 'Brab' (Lord Brabazon
John Moore-Brabazon, 1st Baron Brabazon of Tara
John Theodore Cuthbert Moore-Brabazon, 1st Baron Brabazon of Tara, GBE, MC, PC was an English aviation pioneer and Conservative politician...
), the famous airman and racing motorist, and others, and it was her intention one day to win, if she could, both the Derby
Derby
Derby , is a city and unitary authority in the East Midlands region of England. It lies upon the banks of the River Derwent and is located in the south of the ceremonial county of Derbyshire. In the 2001 census, the population of the city was 233,700, whilst that of the Derby Urban Area was 229,407...
and the Grand National
Grand National
The Grand National is a world-famous National Hunt horse race which is held annually at Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool, England. It is a handicap chase run over a distance of four miles and 856 yards , with horses jumping thirty fences over two circuits of Aintree's National Course...
. She had to content herself with winning some 30 point-to-point races in England and later in Kenya. One of her stallions was Syndrian, brother to Sicyon, both bred by Solly Joel (Solomon Joel
Solomon Joel
Solomon Barnato Joel was a South African financier and mining, brewing and railway magnate.-Career:Known as "Solly", he was born into a Jewish family, being one of three sons of Joel Joel , and Kate Isaacs, who was a sister of Barnett Isaacs, later to be called Barney Barnato...
).
Born Clare Mary Harding, she came from a large family at Old Springs, Staffordshire. A niece of the Earl of Denbigh
Earl of Denbigh
Earl of Denbigh is a title in the Peerage of England. It was created in 1622 for the courtier and soldier William Feilding, 1st Viscount Feilding. He was Master of the Great Wardrobe under King James I and also took part in the Expedition to Cádiz of 1625...
, and of Baron Clifford of Chudleigh
Baron Clifford of Chudleigh
Baron Clifford of Chudleigh, of Chudleigh in the County of Devon, is a title in the Peerage of England. It was created in 1672 for Thomas Clifford...
, her first husband was William Henry Arthur Heald, himself an early airman, and brother of Sir Lionel Heald
Lionel Heald
Sir Lionel Frederick Heald, QC, PC, was a British barrister and Conservative Party politician.At the 1950 general election, Heald was elected as Member of Parliament for the Chertsey constituency in Surrey...
, the Attorney General
Attorney General
In most common law jurisdictions, the attorney general, or attorney-general, is the main legal advisor to the government, and in some jurisdictions he or she may also have executive responsibility for law enforcement or responsibility for public prosecutions.The term is used to refer to any person...
, well known to Rhodesians as a member of the ill-fated Monckton Commission. Her second husband was Lt Comdr John Bryan Peter Duppa-Miller
John Bryan Peter Duppa-Miller
Sub‑Lieutenant John Bryan Peter Duppa-Miller of the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve was awarded the George Cross for the heroism he displayed in bomb and mine disposal while serving with HMS President during the Blitz in the winter of 1940...
, G.C.
George Cross
The George Cross is the highest civil decoration of the United Kingdom, and also holds, or has held, that status in many of the other countries of the Commonwealth of Nations...
, one of the twelve naval officers who volunteered to dismantle the magnetic mines which were dropped off by the Germans over London in the autumn of 1940. With him, she settled in Salisbury, Rhodesia, in 1965. Her daughter Ann was married to Keith Stainton
Keith Stainton
Keith Monin Stainton was a British Conservative politician and World War II hero in France.Keith Stainton was born in Kendal, Westmorland, the son of a Kendal butcher and a Belgian refugee he had met during the First World War. He left Kendal School at 14 and worked as an insurance clerk from...
, the M.P. for Sudbury & Woodbridge. She had six grandchildren. She was a very gentle character, known for her gardening skills and her love of Siamese cats, which she bred for half a century.
In the middle of her fight with the Jockey Club
Jockey Club
The Jockey Club is the largest commercial organisation in British horseracing. Although no longer responsible for the governance and regulation of the sport, it owns 14 of Britain's famous racecourses, including Aintree, Cheltenham and Newmarket, amongst other concerns such as the National Stud and...
, she was interviewed by a reporter for the Financial Times
Financial Times
The Financial Times is an international business newspaper. It is a morning daily newspaper published in London and printed in 24 cities around the world. Its primary rival is the Wall Street Journal, published in New York City....
. Asked what she thought would happen to the punters if women were allowed to ride, she replied 'They lose too much now, backing what they think is the best horse. God only knows what will happen if they start backing what they think is the prettiest face!'
Clare Miller died in Salisbury, Rhodesia on 11 March 1973.