Thomas Fields
1751 - 1810
1751 - 1810
Fields came from the East Riding village of Melbourne, and was the trainer and jockey of the odds-on 1799 St Leger winner Cockfighter, his sole Classic success. He rode Cockfighter again at the York August Meeting of 1800. Starting favourite, the brown colt bolted at Middlethorpe corner, losing some 300 yards. Fields, showing great judgement and coolness, regained control and, inch by inch, crept up on his rivals to gain a remarkable victory.
Fields came from the East Riding village of Melbourne, and was the trainer and jockey of the odds-on 1799 St Leger winner Cockfighter, his sole Classic success. He rode Cockfighter again at the York August Meeting of 1800. Starting favourite, the brown colt bolted at Middlethorpe corner, losing some 300 yards. Fields, showing great judgement and coolness, regained control and, inch by inch, crept up on his rivals to gain a remarkable victory.
Following an otherwise mediocre riding career, Fields succeeded William Arnold at Charles Dawson’s stable at Richmond – his patrons included the immensely wealthy northern landowner Sir Henry Vane-Tempest. He also trained for Sir Walter Vavasour and Sir Thomas Gascoigne, owner of the 1778 St Leger winner Hollandaise, ridden by the ill-fated George Herring.
Following an otherwise mediocre riding career, Fields succeeded William Arnold at Charles Dawson’s stable at Richmond – his patrons included the immensely wealthy northern landowner Sir Henry Vane-Tempest. He also trained for Sir Walter Vavasour and Sir Thomas Gascoigne, owner of the 1778 St Leger winner Hollandaise, ridden by the ill-fated George Herring.
Sir Henry owned the brilliant Hambletonian, winner of 20 of his 21 races (only being beaten when he ran out of the course at York). Hambletonian was a participant in one of the most famous matches of the day. In a 3,000 guineas match, he was pitted against Mr Cookson’s Diamond over the Beacon course at Newmarket. Yorkshiremen in their thousands descended on Newmarket to support their champion. Top jockey Frank Buckle had been engaged to ride. Thomas Fields had trained the horse to the minute and Buckle didn’t disappoint, but it was close. After a desperate 4 mile slog, only a head separated the two rivals at the finish and Yorkshire celebrated.
Sir Henry owned the brilliant Hambletonian, winner of 20 of his 21 races (only being beaten when he ran out of the course at York). Hambletonian was a participant in one of the most famous matches of the day. In a 3,000 guineas match, he was pitted against Mr Cookson’s Diamond over the Beacon course at Newmarket. Yorkshiremen in their thousands descended on Newmarket to support their champion. Top jockey Frank Buckle had been engaged to ride. Thomas Fields had trained the horse to the minute and Buckle didn’t disappoint, but it was close. After a desperate 4 mile slog, only a head separated the two rivals at the finish and Yorkshire celebrated.
A better trainer than he was a jockey, Thomas Fields died on 8th September 1810 at Richmond, Yorkshire.
A better trainer than he was a jockey, Thomas Fields died on 8th September 1810 at Richmond, Yorkshire.
Sir Thomas Gascoigne was the last of the Gascoigne bloodline. He died in 1810, a few months after his only son Tom Gascoigne – whilst out hunting on Friday 13th October 1809 - was killed in an accident, thus ending the family line.
Sir Thomas Gascoigne was the last of the Gascoigne bloodline. He died in 1810, a few months after his only son Tom Gascoigne – whilst out hunting on Friday 13th October 1809 - was killed in an accident, thus ending the family line.