James Evans
Herbert James Evans rode as an amateur for Martin Tate, his first win coming on Miralgo Joe at Uttoxeter on 12 October, 1974.
Herbert James Evans rode as an amateur for Martin Tate, his first win coming on Miralgo Joe at Uttoxeter on 12 October, 1974.
His ten year older brother Richard was then the stable jockey, but had taken a bad fall that February, breaking his thigh.
His ten year older brother Richard was then the stable jockey, but had taken a bad fall that February, breaking his thigh.
Martin asked James to ride all his horses, providing that he turned professional.
Martin asked James to ride all his horses, providing that he turned professional.
While it was a bit earlier than James had planned, he did so.
While it was a bit earlier than James had planned, he did so.
When a fully fit Richard returned, James joined Roddy Armytage, spending an enjoyable two seasons with him.
When a fully fit Richard returned, James joined Roddy Armytage, spending an enjoyable two seasons with him.
Then, during the 1978/79 season, he then rode as freelance. His best ride that year came in the Grand National when aboard Steve Nesbitt's Red Earl. He got a great ride until Red Earl refused with just three to jump.
Then, during the 1978/79 season, he then rode as freelance. His best ride that year came in the Grand National when aboard Steve Nesbitt's Red Earl. He got a great ride until Red Earl refused with just three to jump.
What with rocketing fuel prices (petrol had doubled) and other essential expenses (valet fees, saddlery and insurance) many freelance jockeys, including James, fell by the wayside.
What with rocketing fuel prices (petrol had doubled) and other essential expenses (valet fees, saddlery and insurance) many freelance jockeys, including James, fell by the wayside.
Though just 24 but without the money to keep up, he was forced out of the game.
Though just 24 but without the money to keep up, he was forced out of the game.
He'd had five terrific seasons, a lot of fun and had, between the ages of 17 to 24, ridden 77 winners.
He'd had five terrific seasons, a lot of fun and had, between the ages of 17 to 24, ridden 77 winners.
His biggest win had come in the Greenham Hurdle at Newbury on Gambling Prince.
His biggest win had come in the Greenham Hurdle at Newbury on Gambling Prince.
Apparently finished with racing, James took a four-year degree in estate management and surveying at Trent Polytechnic.
Apparently finished with racing, James took a four-year degree in estate management and surveying at Trent Polytechnic.
He then opened a relevant business in Stratford-Upon-Avon, but the pull of the Turf was strong and James eventually took out a full trainer's licence.
He then opened a relevant business in Stratford-Upon-Avon, but the pull of the Turf was strong and James eventually took out a full trainer's licence.
In the 90's he and his wife Jane started to train Point-to-Pointers.
In the 90's he and his wife Jane started to train Point-to-Pointers.
In 2006 they took out a licence for both jumping and the Flat.
In 2006 they took out a licence for both jumping and the Flat.
James sends out his horses from his yard in Broadwas, close to Worcester.
James sends out his horses from his yard in Broadwas, close to Worcester.
James was born on May 26, 1956.
James was born on May 26, 1956.