Tony Escott
1895 - 1973
1895 - 1973
Born on April 30, 1895, Tony Escott was the son of Lewes trainer Harry Escott (1859-1948). It was for him that Tony won the 1912 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot on Hector.
Born on April 30, 1895, Tony Escott was the son of Lewes trainer Harry Escott (1859-1948). It was for him that Tony won the 1912 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot on Hector.
Tony rode 100-1 shot Polygamist in the 1914 Epsom Derby – his only ride in the race – but was one of half a dozen who was badly away at the start and finished unplaced.
Tony rode 100-1 shot Polygamist in the 1914 Epsom Derby – his only ride in the race – but was one of half a dozen who was badly away at the start and finished unplaced.
He rode 75 winners on the Flat and then won on his first ride under National Hunt rules, Blue Sand, trained by his father, in the Sussex Handicap Hurdle on December 13, 1910.
He rode 75 winners on the Flat and then won on his first ride under National Hunt rules, Blue Sand, trained by his father, in the Sussex Handicap Hurdle on December 13, 1910.
Tony rode seven times in the Grand National between 1919 and 1929, doing best on the first occasion when finishing third on Pollen behind Poethlyn, who was winning the race for the second time, but for the first time at Aintree, having won the previous year’s war substitute race at Gatwick.
Tony rode seven times in the Grand National between 1919 and 1929, doing best on the first occasion when finishing third on Pollen behind Poethlyn, who was winning the race for the second time, but for the first time at Aintree, having won the previous year’s war substitute race at Gatwick.
A man who enjoyed travelling, Tony spent the summers of 1924, ’25 and ’26 riding in America. He spent the following summer in Australia, returning to the States the next year.
A man who enjoyed travelling, Tony spent the summers of 1924, ’25 and ’26 riding in America. He spent the following summer in Australia, returning to the States the next year.
He rode a total of 284 winners over jumps including the 1923 Grand Sefton Chase on Silvo, and the Lancashire Chase twice, on Keep Cool in 1922 and Solanum in 1931.
He rode a total of 284 winners over jumps including the 1923 Grand Sefton Chase on Silvo, and the Lancashire Chase twice, on Keep Cool in 1922 and Solanum in 1931.
He rode 18 winners in 1931/32 and a further 13 in 1932/33. His win on Ontario in the Rottingdean Handicap Hurdle at Plumpton on November 13, 1937, was his last. The following month, his lengthy career was ended by a fall from Empire Son in the Richmond Chase at Kempton Park on December 4, 1937.
He rode 18 winners in 1931/32 and a further 13 in 1932/33. His win on Ontario in the Rottingdean Handicap Hurdle at Plumpton on November 13, 1937, was his last. The following month, his lengthy career was ended by a fall from Empire Son in the Richmond Chase at Kempton Park on December 4, 1937.
Tony then moved across to Epsom and trained a small number of jumpers.
Tony then moved across to Epsom and trained a small number of jumpers.
He died on February 24, 1973, aged 77, of bronchopneumonia.
He died on February 24, 1973, aged 77, of bronchopneumonia.
His sister married classic-winning jockey and trainer Victor Smyth.
His sister married classic-winning jockey and trainer Victor Smyth.