Edgar Pearce

Edgar Pearce

Article by Alan Trout

Edgar Pearce rode over jumps between 1908 and 1923, ending with 23 wins in a career that was compromised by the First World War.  

His first ride was on Marlboro, who finished unplaced in the Stewards’ Handicap Chase at Hooton Park on March 13, 1908. Just four weeks later he had first winner when Uncle Sam III won the Wirral and Cheshire Farmers’ Chase at the same course by a distance, two of his three rivals having fallen. It was the first time the four-year-old had run under National Hunt Rules and the only time Edgar rode him. 

A winner at Colwall Park and two wins on the hurdler Errigal on successive days at Newport in November gave him to a tally of four for the year. He won five races on the chaser Miss Picton during the next two years but lost one of them following the meeting at Wenlock Hunt when it was successfully proven that she had not been eligible to start. 

He endured a blank year in 1911 and had just one win in 1912, but did have two rides over the formidable Liverpool fences. On November 7, 1912, Turco III was a faller in the Grand Sefton Chase, but two days later the seven-year-old made partial amends, finishing second in the Valentine Chase, beaten four lengths by ‘Tich’ Mason on Axle Pin.

Edgar had two wins in 1914, then, like so many others, was lost to the racing scene for the next four years. He resumed in 1919 with two winners in two days at Uttoxeter’s October meeting, then added four more wins in 1920, including a double at Birmingham in February.

He had his final success when Euroclydon II won the Penllyn Selling Hurdle at Cardiff on May 20, 1921, although that win was not confirmed for some time, as objections were raised to the behaviour of the owner and that Euroclydon II was actually a horse called Minorotas. After the stewards of the National Hunt Committee became involved, the winner was allowed to keep the race. 

He had his final ride when Jackette finished fourth in the Club Maiden Chase at Haydock Park on December 8, 1923.