Possible Clues:

• Unlucky
• Doomed to end in failure
• William was a top performer, not born unlucky
• New arrangement for tall riders facing bleak prospects
• Doomed traders contrived to be sick beforehand
• Unfortunate drill-master working out, miles to go
• Spooner's window ledge blackened, which is unlucky
• Unfortunate lines discovered after I took title role
• Doomed leaders of rescue team drown in botched sea drill
• Doomed American state played a leading role