James Potter
1841 - 1881
1841 - 1881
James Potter was born in Manchester in 1841. He achieved his most important success when winning the 1871 Molyneux Chase at Liverpool on Broadlea on March 20, 1871. Sadly, he was to die following a fall at Bromley ten years later.
James Potter was born in Manchester in 1841. He achieved his most important success when winning the 1871 Molyneux Chase at Liverpool on Broadlea on March 20, 1871. Sadly, he was to die following a fall at Bromley ten years later.
James began his life in racing at the age of twelve, when he went to be apprenticed to Thomas Dawson at Middleham. However, he only stayed there a short time, completing his seven years’ apprenticeship with John Daley at Epsom.
James began his life in racing at the age of twelve, when he went to be apprenticed to Thomas Dawson at Middleham. However, he only stayed there a short time, completing his seven years’ apprenticeship with John Daley at Epsom.
Having completed his apprenticeship, James joined Sam Darling, who was then trainer to Lord Coventry, but when Sam died, James returned to Epsom and accepted a job as foreman to Robert I’Anson Snr.
Having completed his apprenticeship, James joined Sam Darling, who was then trainer to Lord Coventry, but when Sam died, James returned to Epsom and accepted a job as foreman to Robert I’Anson Snr.
James began riding over fences and soon ranked among the best horsemen of his day. He won a number of hurdle races and steeplechases on a mare named Helice.
James began riding over fences and soon ranked among the best horsemen of his day. He won a number of hurdle races and steeplechases on a mare named Helice.
His skill as a jockey persuaded the noted amateur rider Fred Hobson to employ him as both trainer and jockey. He trained and rode some good horses for Hobson and other owners, including Vestminster, Pageant, Ptarmigan, York, Witchcraft, Lady Day and Cocotte.
His skill as a jockey persuaded the noted amateur rider Fred Hobson to employ him as both trainer and jockey. He trained and rode some good horses for Hobson and other owners, including Vestminster, Pageant, Ptarmigan, York, Witchcraft, Lady Day and Cocotte.
He rode 96 winners over jumps.
He rode 96 winners over jumps.
James’s riding career ended when his mount, Primrose, came down on the flat after colliding with a post in the Chislehurst Handicap Hurdle at Bromley on March 31, 1881. The mare rolled over her rider, leaving him with a severe spinal injury which paralysed the lower part of his body.
James’s riding career ended when his mount, Primrose, came down on the flat after colliding with a post in the Chislehurst Handicap Hurdle at Bromley on March 31, 1881. The mare rolled over her rider, leaving him with a severe spinal injury which paralysed the lower part of his body.
Despite the careful nursing he received when taken to Bromley Cottage Hospital, he insisted on returning home. Although the doctors strongly objected, his wish was granted and, a week after the Derby, he was taken by special ambulance to his residence, York House, at Epsom.
Despite the careful nursing he received when taken to Bromley Cottage Hospital, he insisted on returning home. Although the doctors strongly objected, his wish was granted and, a week after the Derby, he was taken by special ambulance to his residence, York House, at Epsom.
There he was looked after by his wife, and for a short time he was recovering fairly well. However, he suffered a relapse and died of his spinal injuries at York House, Epsom on August 5, 1881, aged 40. He left a wife and four children.
There he was looked after by his wife, and for a short time he was recovering fairly well. However, he suffered a relapse and died of his spinal injuries at York House, Epsom on August 5, 1881, aged 40. He left a wife and four children.
He was buried at Epsom Cemetery. On his coffin was written simply ‘James Potter, aged 40’. He left £1,148.
He was buried at Epsom Cemetery. On his coffin was written simply ‘James Potter, aged 40’. He left £1,148.