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George Pearce
George Pearce
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
George Pearce rode six winners over hurdles at the start of the 20th century, beginning with victory in the Metropolitan Maiden Hurdle at Sandown Park on February 9, 1901, when his mount, the peculiarly named United Langlaagte, beat the favourite Strelma by half a length. Although George kept the ride, their next two starts were unsuccessful before the mare was sent to France.
George Pearce rode six winners over hurdles at the start of the 20th century, beginning with victory in the Metropolitan Maiden Hurdle at Sandown Park on February 9, 1901, when his mount, the peculiarly named United Langlaagte, beat the favourite Strelma by half a length. Although George kept the ride, their next two starts were unsuccessful before the mare was sent to France.
Making his first start over jumps, the four-year-old Musket Stock provided George with his second win when taking the Maiden Selling Hurdle at Gatwick on March 12 by two lengths.
Making his first start over jumps, the four-year-old Musket Stock provided George with his second win when taking the Maiden Selling Hurdle at Gatwick on March 12 by two lengths.
Musket Stock was sold after the race and George did not ride him again, but he was back in the winner’s enclosure again the following month when Havant gave him his third success in the St. Mary-Church Hurdle at Torquay’s Easter meeting. George had ridden the four-year-old on his three previous starts where they achieved little, but with only two opponents, one of which pulled up, there were few problems on this occasion and Havant won “easily” according to the form book’s race result.
Musket Stock was sold after the race and George did not ride him again, but he was back in the winner’s enclosure again the following month when Havant gave him his third success in the St. Mary-Church Hurdle at Torquay’s Easter meeting. George had ridden the four-year-old on his three previous starts where they achieved little, but with only two opponents, one of which pulled up, there were few problems on this occasion and Havant won “easily” according to the form book’s race result.
Again, the winner was sold soon after and George had a long wait before Lady Alicia, on her second start, narrowly won the Timberham Hurdle at Gatwick on January 4, 1902. In an exciting three-horse finish, Lady Alicia beat a pair of dead-heaters by a head.
Again, the winner was sold soon after and George had a long wait before Lady Alicia, on her second start, narrowly won the Timberham Hurdle at Gatwick on January 4, 1902. In an exciting three-horse finish, Lady Alicia beat a pair of dead-heaters by a head.
Win number five came at Hawthorn Hill on March 24 when Bonnie Chieftain triumphed by a length in the Tuesday Selling Handicap Hurdle. George retained the ride on the six-year-old and they won again next time out, having three-quarters of a length to spare over The Cobbler II at the end of the Torquay Selling Hurdle on Easter Monday, March 31, six days after their Hawthorn Hill success.
Win number five came at Hawthorn Hill on March 24 when Bonnie Chieftain triumphed by a length in the Tuesday Selling Handicap Hurdle. George retained the ride on the six-year-old and they won again next time out, having three-quarters of a length to spare over The Cobbler II at the end of the Torquay Selling Hurdle on Easter Monday, March 31, six days after their Hawthorn Hill success.
Despite those two victories within a week, he did not ride Bonnie Chieftain again and never rode another winner. He had his final ride when Valencian was unplaced in the Oakley Chase at Ludlow on March 1, 1905.
Despite those two victories within a week, he did not ride Bonnie Chieftain again and never rode another winner. He had his final ride when Valencian was unplaced in the Oakley Chase at Ludlow on March 1, 1905.
George Pearce’s winners were, in chronological order:
George Pearce’s winners were, in chronological order:
1. United Langaagte, Sandown, February 9, 1901
1. United Langaagte, Sandown, February 9, 1901
2. Musket Stock, Gatwick, March 12, 1901
2. Musket Stock, Gatwick, March 12, 1901
3. Havant, Torquay, April 9, 1901
3. Havant, Torquay, April 9, 1901
4. Lady Alicia, Gatwick, January 4, 1902
4. Lady Alicia, Gatwick, January 4, 1902
5. Bonnie Chieftain, Hawthorn Hill, March 25, 1902
5. Bonnie Chieftain, Hawthorn Hill, March 25, 1902
6. Bonnie Chieftain, Torquay, March 31, 1902
6. Bonnie Chieftain, Torquay, March 31, 1902
George Pearce's first winner: United Langlaagte, Sandown Park, February 9, 1901
George's final winner: Bonnie Chieftain, Torquay, March 31, 1902
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