Frederick Barrett

Captain “Rattle” Barrett of the 15th Hussars captained the 1914 Westchester Cup team when Britain regained the trophy, winning both matches in America. After winning an Olympic gold medal in 1920, he again played in the 1921 Westchester Cup, when both matches went to the Americans, and in 1924, on his second Olympic appearance, he won a bronze medal. Barrett was an accomplished steeplechase rider and only took up polo when his regiment went to India in 1902. After his return to England a bad fall at Sandown put an end to his steeplechase career and he then concentrated on polo with considerable success.

A 10-goal player, during his career Barrett’s regiment won the Inter-Regimental Tournament in India from 1902-05. In 1909 he won the Indian Open and the Subalterns Tournament with Calcutta Club. His other polo titles included the Hurlingham Champions, Coronation, Warwickshire, Whitney, Social Clubs, Roehampton, Roehampton Junior, and Patriotic Cups, the Ranelagh Open Cup, and the Rugby Open Tournament.

In 1904, Captain Barrett married the Honorable Isobel Caroline, daughter of Lord Kensington, and they acquired an estate at Wroughton Hall, Wiltshire. On returning from the Army, Barrett began training under National Hunt rules in 1929 and saddled winners for three Kings – George V, Edward VIII, and George VI. His greatest success as a trainer was Annadale’s victory in the 1931 Scottish Grand National.