George Alexander Baird

"Mr Abington", Gentleman Rider: George Alexander Baird in Vanity Fair, 1888.

George Alexander Baird (30 September 1861 – 18 March 1893) was a wealthy British race horse owner, breeder and the most successful amateur jockey (gentleman rider) of his day, who rode under the assumed name of Mr Abington. He was a controversial figure, at times in conflict with the establishment, "warned off" for his aggressive riding behaviour, implicated in a prize fight fixing scandal.[1] and named as co-respondent in two divorce cases. He had a relationship with Lillie Langtry, noted actress and former mistress of the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII).[2] Baird died at age thirty-three of pneumonia in a hotel room in New Orleans, Louisiana, after traveling there for prize fights with men he sponsored.

  1. ^ Onslow, Richard (1980). The Squire. London: Harrap. p. 13 & 123.
  2. ^ Magnus, Philip (1964). King Edward the Seventh. John Murray. pp. 153–4.