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James Joseph Parkinson was born in 1870 just outside Tramore and, intent on becoming a vet, took and passed the necessary exams at Royal College, Camden Town. He was eventually to open his own practice at the Curragh.
James Joseph Parkinson was born in 1870 just outside Tramore and, intent on becoming a vet, took and passed the necessary exams at Royal College, Camden Town. He was eventually to open his own practice at the Curragh.
During his school holidays he rode out for prominent Irish trainer Michael Dennehy, whose French House Stables stood close by the Curragh.
During his school holidays he rode out for prominent Irish trainer Michael Dennehy, whose French House Stables stood close by the Curragh.
His first win came at Roscommon on Tuesday 25 July, 1893, when riding Noiseless, the three-length winner of the Town Plate. Parkinson was one of the first amateurs in Great Britain to adopt the Tod Sloan style of riding: indeed, he also insisted (after becoming a trainer) that the professionals who rode for him did the same. In 1902, riding at the Leopardstown June Meeting, not only was he disqualified for bumping and boring, but actually warned off, a sentence which staggered the racing community. Not a man to stand idle, he visited America (among other countries) to study their methods of training racehorses.
His first win came at Roscommon on Tuesday 25 July, 1893, when riding Noiseless, the three-length winner of the Town Plate. Parkinson was one of the first amateurs in Great Britain to adopt the Tod Sloan style of riding: indeed, he also insisted (after becoming a trainer) that the professionals who rode for him did the same. In 1902, riding at the Leopardstown June Meeting, not only was he disqualified for bumping and boring, but actually warned off, a sentence which staggered the racing community. Not a man to stand idle, he visited America (among other countries) to study their methods of training racehorses.
The ban was revoked in July 1903.
The ban was revoked in July 1903.
Once training, he sent horses out from his Maddenstown Lodge Stables in County Kildare, often ridden by his son, Billy . So successful were the pair that in 1914 Billy was the leading amateur rider whilst his father was the leading trainer.
Once training, he sent horses out from his Maddenstown Lodge Stables in County Kildare, often ridden by his son, Billy . So successful were the pair that in 1914 Billy was the leading amateur rider whilst his father was the leading trainer.
In 1916, Billy rode 72 winners from just 186 mounts, a remarkable average.
In 1916, Billy rode 72 winners from just 186 mounts, a remarkable average.
One of his main patrons was Mr Richard Croker, an influential racing character who also put the trainer in charge of his breeding stud at French House (leased from Dennehy).
One of his main patrons was Mr Richard Croker, an influential racing character who also put the trainer in charge of his breeding stud at French House (leased from Dennehy).
Another owner to send Parkinson numerous horses was the amateur jockey John Widger.
Another owner to send Parkinson numerous horses was the amateur jockey John Widger.
Widger owned The Gunner, and, in 1904, Parkinson prepared it for that year’s National.
Widger owned The Gunner, and, in 1904, Parkinson prepared it for that year’s National.
The Gunner and Widger finished third behind Moifaa and Kirkland.
The Gunner and Widger finished third behind Moifaa and Kirkland.
His horse First Flier, bought at a public auction for 35 guineas, won the 1917 Irish Derby ridden by W. Barrett..
His horse First Flier, bought at a public auction for 35 guineas, won the 1917 Irish Derby ridden by W. Barrett..
He created a record in Ireland in 1923 by winning 135 races in a season. In all, he trained over 2,000 winners.
He created a record in Ireland in 1923 by winning 135 races in a season. In all, he trained over 2,000 winners.
A shrewd businessman, Parkinson acquired 800 acres of coal in Queens County. He also bred a number of horses for export.
A shrewd businessman, Parkinson acquired 800 acres of coal in Queens County. He also bred a number of horses for export.
He died, aged 78, on Thursday 16 September 1948.
He died, aged 78, on Thursday 16 September 1948.
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