John Pratt
1740 -1829
1740 -1829
When John Pratt died aged 89 at Newmarket on 5th February 1829, he was said to be ‘the oldest man connected with the racecourse’. He is best remembered for being painted by George Stubbs on the brilliant sprinter Gimcrack. In the painting, John Pratt wears the red jacket and black cap colours of wealthy owner William Wildman, a Smithfield sheep salesman.
When John Pratt died aged 89 at Newmarket on 5th February 1829, he was said to be ‘the oldest man connected with the racecourse’. He is best remembered for being painted by George Stubbs on the brilliant sprinter Gimcrack. In the painting, John Pratt wears the red jacket and black cap colours of wealthy owner William Wildman, a Smithfield sheep salesman.
His father - also called John – distinguished himself as both breeder and rider, but especially as the first non-aristocratic member of the Jockey Club.
His father - also called John – distinguished himself as both breeder and rider, but especially as the first non-aristocratic member of the Jockey Club.
John Pratt once rode in eleven races in one day, covering a distance of eighty-eight miles. And all on an empty stomach!
John Pratt once rode in eleven races in one day, covering a distance of eighty-eight miles. And all on an empty stomach!