James Fagan
1855 - 1932
James Fagan was born at Knutsford on March 8, 1855 and became apprenticed to Thomas Dawson.
James Fagan was born at Knutsford on March 8, 1855 and became apprenticed to Thomas Dawson.
His first ever ride was at Ascot and, in a long career, he went on to ride over 1,000 winners.
His first ever ride was at Ascot and, in a long career, he went on to ride over 1,000 winners.
His best seasonal total came in 1886 with 72 winners.
His best seasonal total came in 1886 with 72 winners.
Jim retired from the saddle in 1903 and spent the next ten years training.
Jim retired from the saddle in 1903 and spent the next ten years training.
He was fairly well off initially, but spent most of his money in buying his stables at Grove House at Malton. Unfortunately, he then acquired a number of owners who did not pay their training bills, which practically ruined him. He had to sell Grove House for £2,500 - less than half the sum he had paid for the property.
He was fairly well off initially, but spent most of his money in buying his stables at Grove House at Malton. Unfortunately, he then acquired a number of owners who did not pay their training bills, which practically ruined him. He had to sell Grove House for £2,500 - less than half the sum he had paid for the property.
He had a son & two daughters.
He had a son & two daughters.
Jim never won a classic but his big wins included:
Jim never won a classic but his big wins included:
1879: Ayr Gold Cup (Umbria)
1879: Ayr Gold Cup (Umbria)
1884: Ebor (Ben Alder)
1884: Ebor (Ben Alder)
1889: Ebor (Cassock's Pride)
1889: Ebor (Cassock's Pride)
1893: Chester Cup (Dare Devil)
1893: Chester Cup (Dare Devil)
1896: Royal Hunt Cup (Quarrel)
1896: Royal Hunt Cup (Quarrel)
He also won the Gimcrack Stakes six times.
He also won the Gimcrack Stakes six times.
Jim Fagan died in Malton on January 20, 1932, aged 76.
Jim Fagan died in Malton on January 20, 1932, aged 76.
