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A son of John Barham Day, Alfred was born on November 3rd 1830 and baptised on October 6th 1833 at St Edith’s Church Monks Kirby, a village in north-eastern Warwickshire.
A son of John Barham Day, Alfred was born on November 3rd 1830 and baptised on October 6th 1833 at St Edith’s Church Monks Kirby, a village in north-eastern Warwickshire.
He received a good education at Winchester and, in the holidays, rode his father’s horses across Stockbridge Downs. In the 1843 Cesarewitch, aged just twelve and weighing 4st 7lbs, Alfred rode the 3-y-o Shocking Mamma.
He received a good education at Winchester and, in the holidays, rode his father’s horses across Stockbridge Downs. In the 1843 Cesarewitch, aged just twelve and weighing 4st 7lbs, Alfred rode the 3-y-o Shocking Mamma.
A more accomplished rider than any of his brothers, he came to the public eye two years later when weighing out at 6 stone to win the Goodwood Stakes on Mr Wreford’s Flea.
A more accomplished rider than any of his brothers, he came to the public eye two years later when weighing out at 6 stone to win the Goodwood Stakes on Mr Wreford’s Flea.
In 1847 and again the following year, he won the Ascot Gold Cup on The Hero.
In 1847 and again the following year, he won the Ascot Gold Cup on The Hero.
He won his first classic when beating the great Nat Flatman (and other top jockeys) in the 1850 2,000 Guineas. Riding Pitsford, the 5/2 second favourite, he clung on tenaciously for a neck win, thus signalling his arrival as a serious jockey.
He won his first classic when beating the great Nat Flatman (and other top jockeys) in the 1850 2,000 Guineas. Riding Pitsford, the 5/2 second favourite, he clung on tenaciously for a neck win, thus signalling his arrival as a serious jockey.
His only Derby win (a feat his father had been unable to accomplish) came in 1854 riding Andover.
His only Derby win (a feat his father had been unable to accomplish) came in 1854 riding Andover.
Alfred’s continual success earned him the nickname of ‘King Alfred’. Said to have ‘absolute perfection in both seat and hands’, Alfred was a deservedly popular jockey and he now rode for some of the most titled people in the land; Sir Robert Peel, Lords Clifden, Derby and Palmerston.
Alfred’s continual success earned him the nickname of ‘King Alfred’. Said to have ‘absolute perfection in both seat and hands’, Alfred was a deservedly popular jockey and he now rode for some of the most titled people in the land; Sir Robert Peel, Lords Clifden, Derby and Palmerston.
In the Ascot Gold Cup of 1854, he rode one of the greatest races of his career when, aboard West Australian, he beat the five-year-old Kingston by a head.
In the Ascot Gold Cup of 1854, he rode one of the greatest races of his career when, aboard West Australian, he beat the five-year-old Kingston by a head.
He was fortunate to win the 1856 Oaks on Mincepie – the runner-up was ridden by cross-country Robert Sly and should have won easily.
He was fortunate to win the 1856 Oaks on Mincepie – the runner-up was ridden by cross-country Robert Sly and should have won easily.
Unfortunately, like so many other members of his family, he was not completely trustworthy. When he finished third in the 1859 Derby on Trumpeter, beaten just a half-length and a neck by Musjid and Marionette (of which he was part-owner), he was told that he would not be allowed to continue riding unless he sold his share in the horse.
Unfortunately, like so many other members of his family, he was not completely trustworthy. When he finished third in the 1859 Derby on Trumpeter, beaten just a half-length and a neck by Musjid and Marionette (of which he was part-owner), he was told that he would not be allowed to continue riding unless he sold his share in the horse.
Alfred's last ride came on Golden Dust which finished second at Epsom on April 17, 1863.
Alfred's last ride came on Golden Dust which finished second at Epsom on April 17, 1863.
Alfred enjoyed riding to hounds, and did so on his favourite horse, Stonehenge. Alfred, a great-uncle to Mornington Cannon, died from consumption on January 4, 1868, aged just 37.
Alfred enjoyed riding to hounds, and did so on his favourite horse, Stonehenge. Alfred, a great-uncle to Mornington Cannon, died from consumption on January 4, 1868, aged just 37.
He was married with no children. He was buried in Stockbridge Cemetery.
He was married with no children. He was buried in Stockbridge Cemetery.
He had ridden the winners of seven classics, including five for his brother John and one for his brother Will.
He had ridden the winners of seven classics, including five for his brother John and one for his brother Will.
Two Thousand Guineas: Pitsford (1850), Hermit (1854) and The Promised Land (1859)
Two Thousand Guineas: Pitsford (1850), Hermit (1854) and The Promised Land (1859)
One Thousand Guineas: The Flea (1849) and Kate (1852)
One Thousand Guineas: The Flea (1849) and Kate (1852)
The Derby: Andover (1854)
The Derby: Andover (1854)
The Oaks: Mincepie (1856)
The Oaks: Mincepie (1856)
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