Starkey loses battle with cancer Derby-winning jockey Greville Starkey has died aged 70 after a lengthy battle against cancer. His finest hour came with victory at Epsom on board Shirley Heights in 1978, while his big-race roll of honour also included the Oaks and and Sussex Stakes twice, the Eclipse and the Ascot Gold Cup. Starkey will also be remembered for his narrow defeat on red-hot favourite Dancing Brave in the 1986 Epsom Derby while Il De Chypre was involved in controversy at Royal Ascot when swerving across the track and unseating Starkey. He rode a total of 1,989 winners on the Flat with 100 successes in a season on four occasions. His best numerical tally came in 1978 with 107 which was good enough for fourth in the jockeys' table.
