Anthony Bingham Mildmay, 2nd Baron Mildmay of Flete

Anthony Bingham Mildmay, 2nd Baron Mildmay of Flete (14 April 1909 – 12 May 1950) was a celebrated amateur steeplechaser, who raced in the Grand National. He also inspired the Queen Mother’s interest in National Hunt racing.

Mildmay was the son of Francis Bingham Mildmay, 1st Baron Mildmay of Flete and his wife Alice Grenfell.

He was educated at St Cyprian's School, Eastbourne, where he was encouraged to ride on the South Downs, and at Eton. He then went up to Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was a member of the University Pitt Club.

He fought in 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.

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