Jesse Page
Jesse Page
c1855 -1910
c1855 -1910
Jesse Page was born at Old Forge in Kent and, as a professional cross-country rider, became first jockey to Mr Heasman and Mr Johnson.
Jesse Page was born at Old Forge in Kent and, as a professional cross-country rider, became first jockey to Mr Heasman and Mr Johnson.
Short, thick-set, powerful, and completely trustworthy, he rode in the days when men like Dollery, Sensier, Capt Roddy Owen, Capt Bewicke, George Lambton, Arthur Nightingall and other incomprable cracks were at their zenith in the saddle. It is a testament to his own ability that he actually headed the list of jump jockeys during such times.
Short, thick-set, powerful, and completely trustworthy, he rode in the days when men like Dollery, Sensier, Capt Roddy Owen, Capt Bewicke, George Lambton, Arthur Nightingall and other incomprable cracks were at their zenith in the saddle. It is a testament to his own ability that he actually headed the list of jump jockeys during such times.
He rode in two Grand Nationals: in 1886 he partnered Fontenoy for Mr Iquiquen and, two years later, Kinfauns for Mr T. Brinckman. Both horses refused.
He rode in two Grand Nationals: in 1886 he partnered Fontenoy for Mr Iquiquen and, two years later, Kinfauns for Mr T. Brinckman. Both horses refused.
His best momemnt in the saddle came at Croydon on Wednesday March 12, 1890, when landing the Grand International Hurdle Race on 9-4 joint favourite Waterproof in the colours of Mr Sibary.
His best momemnt in the saddle came at Croydon on Wednesday March 12, 1890, when landing the Grand International Hurdle Race on 9-4 joint favourite Waterproof in the colours of Mr Sibary.
Owners, when buying horses for abroad, would seek out Jesse Page, whose honesty was unquestionable. Transactions were left entirely in his charge. Moreover, the commission was faithfully fulfilled - horses worth £200 or £300, with their sadlery and clothing, being brought back safely and honestly by Jessse - sometimes by road, if the meeting was accessible. Only racing would allow such a procedure to be followed as to trust absolutely in the charge of a man on Jesse's position the possession of such valuble property.
Owners, when buying horses for abroad, would seek out Jesse Page, whose honesty was unquestionable. Transactions were left entirely in his charge. Moreover, the commission was faithfully fulfilled - horses worth £200 or £300, with their sadlery and clothing, being brought back safely and honestly by Jessse - sometimes by road, if the meeting was accessible. Only racing would allow such a procedure to be followed as to trust absolutely in the charge of a man on Jesse's position the possession of such valuble property.
Jesse's luck, such as it was, changed dramatically for the worse at Kempton on Boxing Day, 1890. Riding Lucky Drop for Mr Russell in the Selling Steeplechase Plate, Joe was making the running when, five fulongs from home, she fell, badly shaking Jesse. Lucky Drop's trainer was able to get to the horse, which he quickly mounted, and, with the two others runners having fallen or refused, the mare finished alone to take the prize. (Remounting rules were vastly different in those days.) It was the beginning of the end for Jesse. Found to be in too serious a condition to be removed off course, he remained in the infirmary attched to the weighing room.
Jesse's luck, such as it was, changed dramatically for the worse at Kempton on Boxing Day, 1890. Riding Lucky Drop for Mr Russell in the Selling Steeplechase Plate, Joe was making the running when, five fulongs from home, she fell, badly shaking Jesse. Lucky Drop's trainer was able to get to the horse, which he quickly mounted, and, with the two others runners having fallen or refused, the mare finished alone to take the prize. (Remounting rules were vastly different in those days.) It was the beginning of the end for Jesse. Found to be in too serious a condition to be removed off course, he remained in the infirmary attched to the weighing room.
It is extraordinary and unaccountable how such a rider became so rapidly unfashionable that, in his final days as a jockey, he had become what was termed a 'hanger-on' to racing, undertaking any odd lad's task at a race meeting.
It is extraordinary and unaccountable how such a rider became so rapidly unfashionable that, in his final days as a jockey, he had become what was termed a 'hanger-on' to racing, undertaking any odd lad's task at a race meeting.
Until his death he was summonsed a number of times for non payment of rates and other debts. Among the situations was a trial for aggravated assault and robbery in Berkshire Assizes on November 7th 1901. The trial was stopped because the only evidence offered by the police was the testimony of the alleged victim.
Until his death he was summonsed a number of times for non payment of rates and other debts. Among the situations was a trial for aggravated assault and robbery in Berkshire Assizes on November 7th 1901. The trial was stopped because the only evidence offered by the police was the testimony of the alleged victim.
Suffering cancer, he died at 10 p.m. in penury at a private nursing home in Manchester Square, London - where he had been for just over a week - on January 20, 1910, aged 55, and was buried at Kensal Rise on Wednesday, 26 January. Former fellow-jockey Mr Roley de Crispigny organised a fund that was set up for him.
Suffering cancer, he died at 10 p.m. in penury at a private nursing home in Manchester Square, London - where he had been for just over a week - on January 20, 1910, aged 55, and was buried at Kensal Rise on Wednesday, 26 January. Former fellow-jockey Mr Roley de Crispigny organised a fund that was set up for him.
His son, Jesse Jr. took out a NH licence in 1900.
His son, Jesse Jr. took out a NH licence in 1900.
