James Paxton

James Paxton

Article by Alan Trout

Northern jumps jockey James Paxton’s career flourished briefly in the mid-1920s with 15 wins in just over two years.

His first ride was on Pablo, finishing unplaced in the Scone Hurdle at Perth on September 26, 1924, but at the same venue the following day the same horse gave James his first success when landing the Mansfield Hurdle by a length and a half. 

He made a perfect start to 1925 by riding his second winner on Scotch Eagle to victory at Bogside on New Year's Day. He won twice more on Scotch Eagle, at Manchester and Catterick Bridge in March, and then finished fifth on him in the Scottish Grand National at Bogside on April 4, before returning to winning ways at Hexham later that month.  

James and Scotch Eagle had a less happy experience when falling in the Grand Sefton Chase over the Liverpool fences in November. By the end of the year James had ridden ten winners altogether, including a double at Hexham in May, and thereby losing his allowance. 

He made a similarly bright start to 1926 with a winner at Haydock Park on January 8 and an Easter Monday double at Carlisle. He had another ride in the Scottish Grand National, although this time his mount, De Combat, could finish only seventh. 

James had his last winner at Hexham on October 6, 1926, when Pricelist landed the Newbiggen Hurdle by a length. It was at Perth on September 29, 1927 that he rode for the final time when Radio Rex was pulled up in the Luncarty Optional Selling Chase.

James Paxton’s winners were, in chronological order:

1. Snapshot, Perth, September 27, 1924                                        

2. Scotch Eagle, Bogside, January 1 ,1925

3. Scotch Eagle, Manchester, March 6, 1925

4. Scotch Eagle, Catterick Bridge, March 13, 1925

5. Pablo, Bogside, April 4, 1925

6. De Combat, Carlisle, April 11, 1925

7. Scotch Eagle. Hexham, April 29, 1925

8. De Combat, Hexham, May 30, 1925

9. Guinea Stamp, Hexham, May 30, 1925

10. Pablo, Perth, September 23, 1925

11. Always Ready, Haydock Park, January 8, 1926

12. De Combat, Carlisle, April 3, 1926

13. De Combat, Carlisle, April 5, 1926

14. Holy War, Carlisle, April 5, 1926

15. Pricelist, Hexham, October 6, 1926