Georges Pellerin
1901 - 1954
1901 - 1954
Georges Augustin Pellerin (named Albert on his death certificate) was born in France in 1901. He was naturalised in 1932 and is best known for winning the 1937 Champion Hurdle on Free Fare.
Georges Augustin Pellerin (named Albert on his death certificate) was born in France in 1901. He was naturalised in 1932 and is best known for winning the 1937 Champion Hurdle on Free Fare.
He had his first ride in England when finishing third on Muscovite in the Four-Year-Old Hurdle at Gatwick on January 15, 1919. He had to wait two years before recording his first success, aboard 20-1 outsider Bay Tree in the Coulsdon Selling Hurdle at Gatwick on January 27, 1921.
He had his first ride in England when finishing third on Muscovite in the Four-Year-Old Hurdle at Gatwick on January 15, 1919. He had to wait two years before recording his first success, aboard 20-1 outsider Bay Tree in the Coulsdon Selling Hurdle at Gatwick on January 27, 1921.
He came within three lengths of upsetting the all-conquering combination of Trespasser and George Duller in the 1922 Imperial Cup, which was then the country’s most important and valuable hurdle race. Georges rode 8-1 chance Count Ross and (according to the form book) may have been an unlucky loser, as his mount swerved in the closing stages.
He came within three lengths of upsetting the all-conquering combination of Trespasser and George Duller in the 1922 Imperial Cup, which was then the country’s most important and valuable hurdle race. Georges rode 8-1 chance Count Ross and (according to the form book) may have been an unlucky loser, as his mount swerved in the closing stages.
Georges finished fourth in the 1929/30 jockeys’ table with 34 wins. They included the 1930 County Hurdle on Gonedry. The following year he won the Imperial Cup on Residue.
Georges finished fourth in the 1929/30 jockeys’ table with 34 wins. They included the 1930 County Hurdle on Gonedry. The following year he won the Imperial Cup on Residue.
Numerically, his most successful season was in 1931/32 when he rode 35 winners. In 1933 he won the Liverpool Hurdle on Free Fare.
Numerically, his most successful season was in 1931/32 when he rode 35 winners. In 1933 he won the Liverpool Hurdle on Free Fare.
Between 1929 and 1936 Georges was placed five times in the Champion Hurdle. Riding Clear Cash, he finished third in 1929 and second in 1930. He was third on Indian Salmon in 1933, third again on Hill Song in 1935, then second on Free Fare in 1936, before finally gaining a much-deserved victory on Free Fare in 1937, winning by two lengths from Our Hope, the mount of Captain Perry Harding, who were destined to win it the following year.
Between 1929 and 1936 Georges was placed five times in the Champion Hurdle. Riding Clear Cash, he finished third in 1929 and second in 1930. He was third on Indian Salmon in 1933, third again on Hill Song in 1935, then second on Free Fare in 1936, before finally gaining a much-deserved victory on Free Fare in 1937, winning by two lengths from Our Hope, the mount of Captain Perry Harding, who were destined to win it the following year.
Georges rode what would prove to be his final winner under National Hunt rules on 5-2 favourite Henri’s Choice in the Slough Handicap Hurdle at Hawthorn Hill on November 7, 1938.
Georges rode what would prove to be his final winner under National Hunt rules on 5-2 favourite Henri’s Choice in the Slough Handicap Hurdle at Hawthorn Hill on November 7, 1938.
He carried on riding until March 1940 and then served in the army during the war. He did not ride again in England until October 4, 1948, when coming home eighth of the ten finishers on Primrosette in the Three-Years-Old Hurdle at Wye.
He carried on riding until March 1940 and then served in the army during the war. He did not ride again in England until October 4, 1948, when coming home eighth of the ten finishers on Primrosette in the Three-Years-Old Hurdle at Wye.
Sadly, he failed to ride another winner during his relatively brief comeback, having his final ride on Glengrigor who finished unplaced in the Merton Selling Handicap Hurdle at Hurst Park on January 19, 1950.
Sadly, he failed to ride another winner during his relatively brief comeback, having his final ride on Glengrigor who finished unplaced in the Merton Selling Handicap Hurdle at Hurst Park on January 19, 1950.
Georges Pellerin died in Middlesex on December 5, 1954, aged 53.
Georges Pellerin died in Middlesex on December 5, 1954, aged 53.
Big wins:
Big wins:
1930: County Hurdle – Gonedry
1930: County Hurdle – Gonedry
1931: Imperial Cup Hurdle – Residue
1931: Imperial Cup Hurdle – Residue
1933: Liverpool Hurdle – Free Fare
1933: Liverpool Hurdle – Free Fare
1937: Champion Hurdle – Free Fare
1937: Champion Hurdle – Free Fare