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1844-1873
1844-1873
Tom French was considerably taller than ideal to be a jockey: consequently, his career was one long battle with the scales. It was a fight he would tragically lose.
Tom French was considerably taller than ideal to be a jockey: consequently, his career was one long battle with the scales. It was a fight he would tragically lose.
Like Tom Chaloner, Sam Kenyon, the Grimshaw brothers, Charles Carroll and Henry Huxtable, Tom French was of Lancashire extraction.
Like Tom Chaloner, Sam Kenyon, the Grimshaw brothers, Charles Carroll and Henry Huxtable, Tom French was of Lancashire extraction.
A reserved, sensitive boy, Tom was born in Liverpool on May 12, 1844. H left home at the age of twelve (1856) and became an apprentice at the Newmarket stables of Mr James Golding at Palace House. He was not given a ride in public until 1859 when he rode The Greek for M G. Angell in the Lincoln Handicap. The colt was set to carry 4st 11lb, but Tom could not ride under 5st 1lb, and carried 4lb overweight. The Greek was unplaced, as were Tom's remaining four rides that season. The following spring he came third on Uncle Ned in Liverpool's Sefton Handicap before finishing second on Man-at-Arms behind Harry Grimshaw on Confectioner in the Newmarket Handicap.
A reserved, sensitive boy, Tom was born in Liverpool on May 12, 1844. H left home at the age of twelve (1856) and became an apprentice at the Newmarket stables of Mr James Golding at Palace House. He was not given a ride in public until 1859 when he rode The Greek for M G. Angell in the Lincoln Handicap. The colt was set to carry 4st 11lb, but Tom could not ride under 5st 1lb, and carried 4lb overweight. The Greek was unplaced, as were Tom's remaining four rides that season. The following spring he came third on Uncle Ned in Liverpool's Sefton Handicap before finishing second on Man-at-Arms behind Harry Grimshaw on Confectioner in the Newmarket Handicap.
Tom's first winner came at the Epsom Spring Meeting when getting St Alban's home ahead of Wallace (Madden) and Clydesdale (Jem Goater) in the Great Metropolitan Stakes. The patience and judgment he showed that afternoon brought great praise from his peers, and he again displayed these qualities when later winning the Chester Cup on the same horse by a length after a good race with Jem Adams on Petra. It was a particularly fine effort as St Albans had a Great Metropolitan penalty to carry against twenty-eight rivals. That same year, 1860, Tom rode four further winners.
Tom's first winner came at the Epsom Spring Meeting when getting St Alban's home ahead of Wallace (Madden) and Clydesdale (Jem Goater) in the Great Metropolitan Stakes. The patience and judgment he showed that afternoon brought great praise from his peers, and he again displayed these qualities when later winning the Chester Cup on the same horse by a length after a good race with Jem Adams on Petra. It was a particularly fine effort as St Albans had a Great Metropolitan penalty to carry against twenty-eight rivals. That same year, 1860, Tom rode four further winners.
He kicked off 1861 by winning the Trial Stakes at Lincoln on Conundrum. He then travelled on to Salisbury for seven mounts, winning on five of them. Though he won no big handicaps, he still finished the season having ridden a respectable twenty-two winners.
He kicked off 1861 by winning the Trial Stakes at Lincoln on Conundrum. He then travelled on to Salisbury for seven mounts, winning on five of them. Though he won no big handicaps, he still finished the season having ridden a respectable twenty-two winners.
He enjoyed thirty-eight victories in 1862, including the Nottingham Spring Handicap on Fitz-Eva (beating Arthur Edwards on Conundrum) and Shrewbury's Cleveland Nursery on Prince Imperial. He also won the Earl Spencer Plate at Nottingham, wearing the colours of Mr Naylor on Biondella.
He enjoyed thirty-eight victories in 1862, including the Nottingham Spring Handicap on Fitz-Eva (beating Arthur Edwards on Conundrum) and Shrewbury's Cleveland Nursery on Prince Imperial. He also won the Earl Spencer Plate at Nottingham, wearing the colours of Mr Naylor on Biondella.
1863 brought him forty winners, the stand-out win coming on Isoline in the Goodwood Cup, beating Doyle on La Tousques. He wound up the season by riding eight winners at Shrewsbury.
1863 brought him forty winners, the stand-out win coming on Isoline in the Goodwood Cup, beating Doyle on La Tousques. He wound up the season by riding eight winners at Shrewsbury.
Tom rode a lot of winners in 1864, but none of any significance: 1865 was better - he won the Great Metropolitan Stakes again, this time on Planet, beating Tom Chaloner on Sandal by a length.
Tom rode a lot of winners in 1864, but none of any significance: 1865 was better - he won the Great Metropolitan Stakes again, this time on Planet, beating Tom Chaloner on Sandal by a length.
1867 was a repeat of 1864; plenty of winners but no big races. During this time, Tom had twice finished second in the Derby; in 1865 he rode runner-up Christmas Carol behind Gladiateur, and in 1866 had finished second on Savernake behind Lord Lyon. Tom was widely criticized for his ride on Savernake and was replaced by Tom Chaloner for its St Leger challenge: the result was the same, the head defeat at Epsom being repeated at Doncaster.
1867 was a repeat of 1864; plenty of winners but no big races. During this time, Tom had twice finished second in the Derby; in 1865 he rode runner-up Christmas Carol behind Gladiateur, and in 1866 had finished second on Savernake behind Lord Lyon. Tom was widely criticized for his ride on Savernake and was replaced by Tom Chaloner for its St Leger challenge: the result was the same, the head defeat at Epsom being repeated at Doncaster.
In 1869, from 180 mounts, he rode seventy-two winners (including ten walk-overs), twenty-three seconds and thirty-eight thirds. He was unplaced forty-seven times. His first ride that season had been a winning one; Roma, in Mr Prior's colours, in the Brocklesby Stakes, beating twenty-one others. That, however, was his only success at the meeting. Other good wins included Old Friday in the Northamptonshire Stakes, beating Daniel Butler on Pompeii. Tom came third on Vespasian behind Blue Gown and Formosa for the Trial Stakes at the Epsom Spring Meeting after winning
In 1869, from 180 mounts, he rode seventy-two winners (including ten walk-overs), twenty-three seconds and thirty-eight thirds. He was unplaced forty-seven times. His first ride that season had been a winning one; Roma, in Mr Prior's colours, in the Brocklesby Stakes, beating twenty-one others. That, however, was his only success at the meeting. Other good wins included Old Friday in the Northamptonshire Stakes, beating Daniel Butler on Pompeii. Tom came third on Vespasian behind Blue Gown and Formosa for the Trial Stakes at the Epsom Spring Meeting after winning
Tom won a Two-Year-Old Plate on Atlantis on the first day of Newmarket's Craven Meeting before coming third on Vespasian behind Blue Gown and Formosa in the Trial Stakes at the Epsom Spring Meeting. He also won the Subscription Plate on Leoni. He won the Newmarket Stakes on Strathnairn but was unplaced on Rupert in the Derby. He was also luckless at Ascot, all of his rides losing. Tom was back in the winner's enclosure during Newmarket's July Meeting, winning the Chesterfield Stakeson Kingcraft. This was a good meeting for him; in all, Tom rode twelve winners.
Tom won a Two-Year-Old Plate on Atlantis on the first day of Newmarket's Craven Meeting before coming third on Vespasian behind Blue Gown and Formosa in the Trial Stakes at the Epsom Spring Meeting. He also won the Subscription Plate on Leoni. He won the Newmarket Stakes on Strathnairn but was unplaced on Rupert in the Derby. He was also luckless at Ascot, all of his rides losing. Tom was back in the winner's enclosure during Newmarket's July Meeting, winning the Chesterfield Stakeson Kingcraft. This was a good meeting for him; in all, Tom rode twelve winners.
His principal wins at Goodwood that year were Kingcraft in the Ham Produce Stakes, Burgundy in the Findon Stakes, and Mantilla in the Molecomb. At Doncaster, Tom won on the future Middle Park Plate winner, Frivolity in the Filly Stakes. His only other win at Doncaster was on Rupert in the Scarborough Stakes. He then had two near-misses; on Mantilla in the Champagne Stakes, he was second behind Sunshine, then, in the St Leger, he finished third on the outsider, George Osbaldeston.
His principal wins at Goodwood that year were Kingcraft in the Ham Produce Stakes, Burgundy in the Findon Stakes, and Mantilla in the Molecomb. At Doncaster, Tom won on the future Middle Park Plate winner, Frivolity in the Filly Stakes. His only other win at Doncaster was on Rupert in the Scarborough Stakes. He then had two near-misses; on Mantilla in the Champagne Stakes, he was second behind Sunshine, then, in the St Leger, he finished third on the outsider, George Osbaldeston.
Tom's day in the sun came at Epsom the next summer. Having run indifferently in the Two Thousand Guineas, Kingcraft lined up for the Derby. Tom knew the horse had a fine turn of speed, and he kept the horse back until reaching Tattenham Corner from where Kingcraft produced one telling burst of speed to win in a canter from Palmerston and muster.
Tom's day in the sun came at Epsom the next summer. Having run indifferently in the Two Thousand Guineas, Kingcraft lined up for the Derby. Tom knew the horse had a fine turn of speed, and he kept the horse back until reaching Tattenham Corner from where Kingcraft produced one telling burst of speed to win in a canter from Palmerston and muster.
Tom completed a Derby double the following year: Charlie Maidment should have been on the favourite, Favonius, but was claimed by Mr Savile to ride his Ripponden. He was engaged to replace him; Favonius ran out an easy winner - so delighted was its owner, Baron Rothschild, that he gave Tom a present of £1.000 for his services, much to the chagrin of Maidment.
Tom completed a Derby double the following year: Charlie Maidment should have been on the favourite, Favonius, but was claimed by Mr Savile to ride his Ripponden. He was engaged to replace him; Favonius ran out an easy winner - so delighted was its owner, Baron Rothschild, that he gave Tom a present of £1.000 for his services, much to the chagrin of Maidment.
He finished third in the Derby the following year (1872) behind Cremorne and Pell Mell; he was unplaced on the outsider Andred in 1873.
He finished third in the Derby the following year (1872) behind Cremorne and Pell Mell; he was unplaced on the outsider Andred in 1873.
At the end of 1872, French’s health began to fail, and he was ordered by his doctors to spend the winter abroad which he did, going to Egypt. Whilst there, he rode in the Khedive Grand Prize. He finished unplaced in that race but won a hurdle race an hour later, the only time he rode over the sticks.
At the end of 1872, French’s health began to fail, and he was ordered by his doctors to spend the winter abroad which he did, going to Egypt. Whilst there, he rode in the Khedive Grand Prize. He finished unplaced in that race but won a hurdle race an hour later, the only time he rode over the sticks.
He had become tubercular after years of wasting yet, in spite of the disease and knowing that he had it, French refused to give up his career.
He had become tubercular after years of wasting yet, in spite of the disease and knowing that he had it, French refused to give up his career.
His last winning was ride on Tuesday 15th July 1873. Riding Trombone in the Berkshire Cup at Windsor, he passed the post in first place for the final time, but he was a very sick man. His last mount was on Maid of Perth in the Corinthian Handicap at Goodwood.
His last winning was ride on Tuesday 15th July 1873. Riding Trombone in the Berkshire Cup at Windsor, he passed the post in first place for the final time, but he was a very sick man. His last mount was on Maid of Perth in the Corinthian Handicap at Goodwood.
After a few days of rest, his health began to improve and, though too ill to ride, he was able to take part in a local cricket match. Hopes began to rise that he would be fit enough to ride Lord Falmouth's colt Andred in the St Leger, but on Friday 28th August, there was a sudden relapse from which he never rallied. Pulmonary apoplexy was followed by bleeding of the lungs.
After a few days of rest, his health began to improve and, though too ill to ride, he was able to take part in a local cricket match. Hopes began to rise that he would be fit enough to ride Lord Falmouth's colt Andred in the St Leger, but on Friday 28th August, there was a sudden relapse from which he never rallied. Pulmonary apoplexy was followed by bleeding of the lungs.
Aged 29, Tom French of consumption died on Saturday, August 30, 1873, and was buried on the following Thursday. All the leading trainers and principal jockeys attended the service. Tom never married. He left over £3,000.
Aged 29, Tom French of consumption died on Saturday, August 30, 1873, and was buried on the following Thursday. All the leading trainers and principal jockeys attended the service. Tom never married. He left over £3,000.
A fine horseman and race rider, he was well-known for his honesty - however, he was uncommonly cruel on his mounts, using his whip mercilessly and often drawing blood. The young Fred Archer, then an apprentice, modelled himself on French, and he, too, ruined many a decent two-year-old with his brutality. Ironically, it was Archer who took French’s place as stable jockey. Ravaged by the same constant demands of wasting, Fred Archer would also die at the same age.
A fine horseman and race rider, he was well-known for his honesty - however, he was uncommonly cruel on his mounts, using his whip mercilessly and often drawing blood. The young Fred Archer, then an apprentice, modelled himself on French, and he, too, ruined many a decent two-year-old with his brutality. Ironically, it was Archer who took French’s place as stable jockey. Ravaged by the same constant demands of wasting, Fred Archer would also die at the same age.
Tom’s doctor attributed the rigours of wasting as one of the main causes of “hurrying poor Tom to his grave.”
Tom’s doctor attributed the rigours of wasting as one of the main causes of “hurrying poor Tom to his grave.”
The Sporting Life was quick to pick up on this, writing “It remains to be seen, after this statement, whether our racing legislators will not adopt some reform and raise the weights in all races so that our best jockeys should not be immolated. Every jockey in the kingdom should join a petition to the jockey Club for an alteration when they glance over the melancholy list of horsemen whose lives have been sacrificed through the unnatural process of ‘wasting’ which sows seeds of disease in the constitutions of the strongest of lads.”
The Sporting Life was quick to pick up on this, writing “It remains to be seen, after this statement, whether our racing legislators will not adopt some reform and raise the weights in all races so that our best jockeys should not be immolated. Every jockey in the kingdom should join a petition to the jockey Club for an alteration when they glance over the melancholy list of horsemen whose lives have been sacrificed through the unnatural process of ‘wasting’ which sows seeds of disease in the constitutions of the strongest of lads.”
With uncanny foresight, the writer went on to observe that Fred Archer, then a 16-year-old, always looked fearfully ill from continual ‘sweatings’ – he then suggested that unless something was done then Archer would go down the same path as Tom French, which, indeed, was exactly what happened.
With uncanny foresight, the writer went on to observe that Fred Archer, then a 16-year-old, always looked fearfully ill from continual ‘sweatings’ – he then suggested that unless something was done then Archer would go down the same path as Tom French, which, indeed, was exactly what happened.
Tom's jockey brother, Alfred, died in Paris on April 23. 1876, aged 36. Alfred rode the 1858 Lincoln winner Vandermulin and 1858 Stewards' Cup winner Glenmasson.
Tom's jockey brother, Alfred, died in Paris on April 23. 1876, aged 36. Alfred rode the 1858 Lincoln winner Vandermulin and 1858 Stewards' Cup winner Glenmasson.
Another brother, George, known as Peter, was known as a Newmarket character. He died there on May 30, 1938 aged 85.
Another brother, George, known as Peter, was known as a Newmarket character. He died there on May 30, 1938 aged 85.
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