Jock Fergusson

1869 - 1939

Jock Fergusson started to ride in races when he was still a boy, and, aged 16, rode his first winner - Little Nannie - which scored at Hamilton Park. Unfortunately for Jock, the horse was disqualified on account of wrong entry, and the race was awarded to a horse ridden by C. Cunningham, a close friend, who gave the £37 prize money to Jock.

Jock Fergusson headed the list of amateur jockeys for three years in succession and rode Glen Royal when he won the National Hunt Steeplechase, the most important of all races for amateur riders, at Hurst Park in 1899.

Jock also rode Karakoul when that horse won the Auteuil Hurdle.

He eventually rode some 600 winners before becoming a very capable trainer and manager. He was in charge of Craganour when that horse won the Derby in 1913, only to be disqualified even though the rider of the second had not objected.

Jock was aged 64 when he rode his last race at Derby on November 15, 1933. He finished unplaced on Together.

Aged 70, Jock Fergusson died at his home at Tarporley in Cheshire on December 7, 1939, leaving £5,521.

He also left a widow and a son.

Biggest wins:

1898: Stanley Chase - Lambay

1899: National Hunt Chase - Glan Royal

1902: Liverpool Hurdle - King's Idler