Arthur Edwards
Arthur Edwards
1844 - 1868
1844 - 1868
The good-looking Arthur Edwards was born at Newmarket in November, 1844, and became an apprentice to Joseph Dawson.
The good-looking Arthur Edwards was born at Newmarket in November, 1844, and became an apprentice to Joseph Dawson.
A contentious individual, he was best known for his association with the light blue and black belt of Lord Stamford, in which colours he won the Two Thousand Guineas in 1861on Diophantus before coming third on the same animal in the Derby behind lucky winner Kettledrum and Dundee. In the same year, Arthur won the Metropolitan for Mr Savile on Parmesan.
A contentious individual, he was best known for his association with the light blue and black belt of Lord Stamford, in which colours he won the Two Thousand Guineas in 1861on Diophantus before coming third on the same animal in the Derby behind lucky winner Kettledrum and Dundee. In the same year, Arthur won the Metropolitan for Mr Savile on Parmesan.
He also rode regularly for Count Lagrange, his best win for him coming in the 1864 Oaks on Fille de l'Air. However, Arthur's prickly nature soured the relationship, and his connection with the French stable came to an abrupt end.
He also rode regularly for Count Lagrange, his best win for him coming in the 1864 Oaks on Fille de l'Air. However, Arthur's prickly nature soured the relationship, and his connection with the French stable came to an abrupt end.
Arthur also rode for Mr Merry, their greatest win coming in the 1863 Ascot Gold Cup with Buckstone. Following a dead heat with Sam Rogers on Tim Whiffler, the race was re-run, with Buckstone running out the two length winner.
Arthur also rode for Mr Merry, their greatest win coming in the 1863 Ascot Gold Cup with Buckstone. Following a dead heat with Sam Rogers on Tim Whiffler, the race was re-run, with Buckstone running out the two length winner.
Arthur's riding of Julius in the Two Thousand Guineas was heavily critisised by the owner the Duke of Newcastle, who never employed the jockey again.
Arthur's riding of Julius in the Two Thousand Guineas was heavily critisised by the owner the Duke of Newcastle, who never employed the jockey again.
Nevertheless, the son of renowned jockey Edward Edwards went on to ride 496 winners before, in November 1867, taking to his bed, stricken fatally with consumption. He was only 23 when he died from the disease at Newmarket on May 26 1868.
Nevertheless, the son of renowned jockey Edward Edwards went on to ride 496 winners before, in November 1867, taking to his bed, stricken fatally with consumption. He was only 23 when he died from the disease at Newmarket on May 26 1868.
Arthur was twice married, his first wife - a daughter of Newmarket trainer Mr Goodwin - dying a few months after their marriage. He remarried. There were no children.
Arthur was twice married, his first wife - a daughter of Newmarket trainer Mr Goodwin - dying a few months after their marriage. He remarried. There were no children.
He won three classics:
He won three classics:
1861: 2,000 Guineas (Diophantus)
1861: 2,000 Guineas (Diophantus)
1863: 1,000 Guineas (Lady Augusta)
1863: 1,000 Guineas (Lady Augusta)
1864: The Oaks (Fille De L'Air)
1864: The Oaks (Fille De L'Air)
He also won the Ascot Gold Cup, Ebor, Lincoln, Nassau & Great Metropolitan.
He also won the Ascot Gold Cup, Ebor, Lincoln, Nassau & Great Metropolitan.
