Jimmy Fox
Jimmy Fox
Jimmy Fox was a jump jockey for more than a decade until, at the age of 35, the Jockey Club doctors refused to renew his licence. He was shattered by the refusal.
Jimmy Fox was a jump jockey for more than a decade until, at the age of 35, the Jockey Club doctors refused to renew his licence. He was shattered by the refusal.
Born in Waterford, Southern Ireland, on December 8, 1942, Jimmy rode 11 winners in the 1972-73 season, numerically his best. He was retained during his career by Vernon Cross and Toby Balding and recorded big race triumphs in the Mackeson and Hennessy Gold Cups.
Born in Waterford, Southern Ireland, on December 8, 1942, Jimmy rode 11 winners in the 1972-73 season, numerically his best. He was retained during his career by Vernon Cross and Toby Balding and recorded big race triumphs in the Mackeson and Hennessy Gold Cups.
Like many other jockeys, Jimmy began in showjumping. His employer at the time, Dennis Quigley, actively discouraged him from riding in point-to-points because he was afraid of losing Jimmy to racing.
Like many other jockeys, Jimmy began in showjumping. His employer at the time, Dennis Quigley, actively discouraged him from riding in point-to-points because he was afraid of losing Jimmy to racing.
Having made his way to Britain, he rode his first winner, Hamet, trained by Alex Kilpatrick, in the Comer Novices’ Chase (Division 1) at Worcester on November 19, 1966.
Having made his way to Britain, he rode his first winner, Hamet, trained by Alex Kilpatrick, in the Comer Novices’ Chase (Division 1) at Worcester on November 19, 1966.
Jimmy was fiercely proud of his successes which included winning both the 1972 Mackeson Gold Cup and the 1973 Hennessy Gold Cup on the same horse, Red Candle, trained by Ricky Valance, beating the legendary Red Rum by a short head on the latter occasion, albeit Red Rum was carry a stone more. A painting of him on Red Candle hangs above the fireplace in the house where he lives with his wife Trisha and their two children.
Jimmy was fiercely proud of his successes which included winning both the 1972 Mackeson Gold Cup and the 1973 Hennessy Gold Cup on the same horse, Red Candle, trained by Ricky Valance, beating the legendary Red Rum by a short head on the latter occasion, albeit Red Rum was carry a stone more. A painting of him on Red Candle hangs above the fireplace in the house where he lives with his wife Trisha and their two children.
He rode his last winner on Sheer Silk in the Select Hurdle at Sandown Park on March 10, 1978. He had ridden 47 winners in all.
He rode his last winner on Sheer Silk in the Select Hurdle at Sandown Park on March 10, 1978. He had ridden 47 winners in all.
Jimmy’s list of injuries was frightening. A fractured skull, partial blindness in the right eye and concussion on at least 25 occasions.
Jimmy’s list of injuries was frightening. A fractured skull, partial blindness in the right eye and concussion on at least 25 occasions.
However, he said: “Compared to some jockeys, I’ve been lucky with injuries. I have seen blokes with half their head kicked away.”
However, he said: “Compared to some jockeys, I’ve been lucky with injuries. I have seen blokes with half their head kicked away.”
In 1981, Jimmy turned to training, setting up in Wiltshire right next door to trainer Richard Hannon.
In 1981, Jimmy turned to training, setting up in Wiltshire right next door to trainer Richard Hannon.
In April 2010, he was asked to train the two-year-old filly, Fairling. Everyone who rode her came back with the same report; “The laziest I’ve ever ridden.”
In April 2010, he was asked to train the two-year-old filly, Fairling. Everyone who rode her came back with the same report; “The laziest I’ve ever ridden.”
The problem was solved one morning when Jimmy entered her box. Standing beside the filly was a handsome colt foal. DNA was required to find out who was the daddy!
The problem was solved one morning when Jimmy entered her box. Standing beside the filly was a handsome colt foal. DNA was required to find out who was the daddy!
When away from the saddle, Jimmy enjoyed swimming, fishing, shooting and hunting.
When away from the saddle, Jimmy enjoyed swimming, fishing, shooting and hunting.
Big winners:
Big winners:
1972: Mackeson Gold Cup – Red Candle
1972: Mackeson Gold Cup – Red Candle
1973: Hennessy Gold Cup – Red Candle
1973: Hennessy Gold Cup – Red Candle
1976: Heinz Novices’ Chase – Grangewood Girl
1976: Heinz Novices’ Chase – Grangewood Girl
1977: Blue Circle Cement Handicap Chase – Grangewood Girl
1977: Blue Circle Cement Handicap Chase – Grangewood Girl