Roger Attfield, reflecting on his illustrious career in horse racing, found himself reminiscing over treasured photos and newspaper clippings from his early days in the sport. These faded images transported him back to his youth as a jockey and his rise as one of horse racing’s top trainers. At 86, Attfield took great joy in revisiting these memories, some dating back 50 years to when he immigrated from Newbury, England, to Canada in 1970 after a successful career in steeplechasing and show jumping.
He started training at Gateway Farm in Milton, Ontario, before becoming head trainer at Norcliffe Stables in 1975. One of his standout horses was Norcliffe, purchased by Lt. Col. Charles Baker for $80,000 at the 1974 Saratoga Annual Sale. Attfield recalls nurturing Norcliffe from a young age, noting the horse’s calm demeanor and stamina, qualities that made him a formidable competitor.
Norcliffe’s impressive performances included a stakes record in the 1975 Coronation Futurity, setting the stage for the legendary Queen’s Plate victory that Attfield had dreamed of since first watching the race in 1970. Despite some hurdles like a bruised leg and debates over the jockey selection, Norcliffe, guided by young jockey Jeff Fell, won the 117th Queen’s Plate in 1976, a moment Attfield cherished deeply.
The win was made even more special as Attfield’s parents traveled from England to witness it. Over the years, Attfield went on to win the Queen’s Plate seven more times, including three Canadian Triple Crowns. He has been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame, cementing his legacy in the sport.
Norcliffe also left a lasting mark as a champion racehorse and sire, earning Canada’s Horse of the Year in 1976 and dominating Canadian stakes races. His versatility and success extended to his stud career in Florida and Kentucky, making him one of the top stallions of his time.
Reflecting on his career while at Payson Park, Florida, Attfield smiled at how much time had passed since his first Queen’s Plate victory but acknowledged the enduring dream and fulfillment the win brought him. His ability to bring out the best in his horses remains his enduring legacy.
Fan Take: This story captures the timeless dedication and passion that define horse racing, reminding fans why the sport is about more than just competition—it’s about dreams, legacy, and personal triumph. Attfield’s journey from jockey to hall-of-fame trainer inspires future generations to pursue excellence, promising a bright future for horse racing.
