Charles Donnelly
National Hunt jockey Charles Edward Donnelly rode a total of 45 winners between 1916 and 1926 and took part in two Grand Nationals.
National Hunt jockey Charles Edward Donnelly rode a total of 45 winners between 1916 and 1926 and took part in two Grand Nationals.
He had his first ride at Hawthorn Hill on November 14, 1910 on a horse named Petchora in the Berkshire Handicap Hurdle. It was not a good start because Petchora fell. He had to wait six years before tasting success for the first time. Hawthorn Hill was again the venue, the horse being Bridge IV in the Waltham Selling Handicap Chase on December 14, 1916, a time when racing was operating on a restricted basis owing to the First World War.
He had his first ride at Hawthorn Hill on November 14, 1910 on a horse named Petchora in the Berkshire Handicap Hurdle. It was not a good start because Petchora fell. He had to wait six years before tasting success for the first time. Hawthorn Hill was again the venue, the horse being Bridge IV in the Waltham Selling Handicap Chase on December 14, 1916, a time when racing was operating on a restricted basis owing to the First World War.
Charles enjoyed his most successful year in 1920 with nine winners when riding for Newmarket trainer Tom Leader. Seven of those wins were achieved by the end of the first week of February, all of them for Leader. His flying start began at Manchester on New Year’s Day, winning the Chorlton Handicap Hurdle on Hedu. He won on both days of Haydock’s meeting on January 9 & 10 on hurdlers Annoya and Decimal, following up on Annoya at Birmingham the following week and on Decimal at Derby on January 25.
Charles enjoyed his most successful year in 1920 with nine winners when riding for Newmarket trainer Tom Leader. Seven of those wins were achieved by the end of the first week of February, all of them for Leader. His flying start began at Manchester on New Year’s Day, winning the Chorlton Handicap Hurdle on Hedu. He won on both days of Haydock’s meeting on January 9 & 10 on hurdlers Annoya and Decimal, following up on Annoya at Birmingham the following week and on Decimal at Derby on January 25.
Five days later he guided three-mile chaser Taffytus to a six-length success at Kempton, then rode him to win the valuable Prince of Wales’ Handicap Chase at Sandown Park on February 7, beating wartime substitute Grand National winner Vermouth by half a length, with future Grand National hero Shaun Spadah a further two lengths back in third. Taffytus would go on to finish third in the 1922 Grand National when ridden by the trainer’s son Ted Leader.
Five days later he guided three-mile chaser Taffytus to a six-length success at Kempton, then rode him to win the valuable Prince of Wales’ Handicap Chase at Sandown Park on February 7, beating wartime substitute Grand National winner Vermouth by half a length, with future Grand National hero Shaun Spadah a further two lengths back in third. Taffytus would go on to finish third in the 1922 Grand National when ridden by the trainer’s son Ted Leader.
Charles took part in two Grand Nationals. In 1923 he rode the 13-year-old veteran Turk II, a 100-1 outsider, who was among the fallers. In 1924 he partnered 40-1 chance Winnall, who led at halfway and was still in front at the Canal Turn second time round when being badly balked by loose horses, causing Winnall to refuse..
Charles took part in two Grand Nationals. In 1923 he rode the 13-year-old veteran Turk II, a 100-1 outsider, who was among the fallers. In 1924 he partnered 40-1 chance Winnall, who led at halfway and was still in front at the Canal Turn second time round when being badly balked by loose horses, causing Winnall to refuse..
Charles rode his last winner on the Irish-trained Alroi in the Tollerton Handicap Chase at Nottingham on February 2, 1926. He had his final ride at Hawthorn Hill – the place where his career has begun with his first ride and, six years later, his first win – finishing ninth of ten finishers on Desiree in the unimaginatively-titled Monday Selling Hurdle on March 3, 1930.
Charles rode his last winner on the Irish-trained Alroi in the Tollerton Handicap Chase at Nottingham on February 2, 1926. He had his final ride at Hawthorn Hill – the place where his career has begun with his first ride and, six years later, his first win – finishing ninth of ten finishers on Desiree in the unimaginatively-titled Monday Selling Hurdle on March 3, 1930.
