John Straker
From The Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia
(Redirected from William Darbyshire)
Fictional character.
In the Sherlock Holmes stories
- John Straker was a retired jockey, who rode in Colonel Ross's colours before he became too heavy for the weighing-chair (SILV 50). He has served Colonel Ross for five years as jockey, and for seven as trainer, and had always shown himself to be a zealous and honest servant (SILV 51).
- He attempted to lamely injure Silver Blaze before the Wessex Cup so he could profit from betting against the horse (SILV 573). His plan involved taking the horse out at night and cutting a tendon with a delicate cataract knife (SILV 572).
- Silver Blaze kicked him in the head during the attempt, killing him instantly (SILV 592).
- ↑ Derbyshire in some American editions.
