Harry Fitt
Harry Fitt's fatal ride. Wye. May 14, 1906
Harry Fitt's fatal ride. Wye. May 14, 1906
1871 - 1906
1871 - 1906
Amateur rider Harry Hughes Fitt was a farmer based in the Hampshire hamlet of Pitt, in the village of Hursley, midway between Romsey and Winchester. He rode a total of 52 winners under National Hunt rules before losing his life in a fall at Wye in 1906.
Amateur rider Harry Hughes Fitt was a farmer based in the Hampshire hamlet of Pitt, in the village of Hursley, midway between Romsey and Winchester. He rode a total of 52 winners under National Hunt rules before losing his life in a fall at Wye in 1906.
He had his first ride and first win at the Bedfordshire Hunt meeting on March 18, 1892. Having fallen on Grovebury in the first race, the Town Steeplechase, he dusted himself off and went on to steer Ketta to victory in the Initial Steeplechase.
He had his first ride and first win at the Bedfordshire Hunt meeting on March 18, 1892. Having fallen on Grovebury in the first race, the Town Steeplechase, he dusted himself off and went on to steer Ketta to victory in the Initial Steeplechase.
Harry was particularly effective at the Isle of Wight’s course at Ashey, riding 14 winners there during his career. His most successful year was in 1905 with nine wins.
Harry was particularly effective at the Isle of Wight’s course at Ashey, riding 14 winners there during his career. His most successful year was in 1905 with nine wins.
On Monday, May 14, 1906, Harry journeyed to Wye for two rides. The first of them, Childwit in the first race, the Selling National Hunt Plate, duly obliged, but it was to be his last winner.
On Monday, May 14, 1906, Harry journeyed to Wye for two rides. The first of them, Childwit in the first race, the Selling National Hunt Plate, duly obliged, but it was to be his last winner.
Later that afternoon, his mount Doochary fell in the Selling Hurdle. Harry broke three ribs and was badly concussed. He died at 6.30 pm the same day.
Later that afternoon, his mount Doochary fell in the Selling Hurdle. Harry broke three ribs and was badly concussed. He died at 6.30 pm the same day.
Harry, who was 34, was soon to have been married. He left £1,694.
Harry, who was 34, was soon to have been married. He left £1,694.
Ironically, he died on the same day as John Hands, who had taken a fatal fall at Southwell.
Ironically, he died on the same day as John Hands, who had taken a fatal fall at Southwell.
