Robert Ridsdale (1783–1857) was a wealthy English race horse breeder and gambler, whose horse St. Giles, owned in partnership with prize-fighter, John Gully, won The Derby in 1832. According to the Biographical Encyclopaedia of British Flat Racing "His methods were based on the corruption of trainers, jockey and stable employee and for some years he was a powerful influence for evil in the sport". His partnership with Gully ended on acrimonious and violent terms.[1]