John Douglas
John Sholto Douglas - the Marquess of Queensberry - was born in Florence, Italy, on 20 July 1844. He is widely, but erroneously, known as the originator of the rules of boxing which bore his name. In fact, it was his friend, Mr John Chambers, a celebrated athlete of that day, who drew them up, the Marquess merely passed them when finished.
John Sholto Douglas - the Marquess of Queensberry - was born in Florence, Italy, on 20 July 1844. He is widely, but erroneously, known as the originator of the rules of boxing which bore his name. In fact, it was his friend, Mr John Chambers, a celebrated athlete of that day, who drew them up, the Marquess merely passed them when finished.
A keen and successful amateur rider, John Douglas made just one attempt on the Grand National, riding True Blue in 1873. Tailed off after reaching the racecourse, True Blue cleared the water alone, many lengths behind the others. It finally fell in the country the second time around, completely knocking itself out. He was down to ride Old Joe, the winner of the 1886 race, but was substituted by Tommy Skelton at the last minute.
A keen and successful amateur rider, John Douglas made just one attempt on the Grand National, riding True Blue in 1873. Tailed off after reaching the racecourse, True Blue cleared the water alone, many lengths behind the others. It finally fell in the country the second time around, completely knocking itself out. He was down to ride Old Joe, the winner of the 1886 race, but was substituted by Tommy Skelton at the last minute.
Langley was a horse of a different colour. As a two-year-old, when called Chibisa, it had won the 1865 New Stakes at Ascot. Then, in the early 1870s, under the Marquess, it won a dozen or so steeplechases in and around London, including several at Sandown Park. It was at this meeting in 1883 that John won his last race.
Langley was a horse of a different colour. As a two-year-old, when called Chibisa, it had won the 1865 New Stakes at Ascot. Then, in the early 1870s, under the Marquess, it won a dozen or so steeplechases in and around London, including several at Sandown Park. It was at this meeting in 1883 that John won his last race.
After a short illness, John Douglas died in London on 31 January 1900. He was 56.
After a short illness, John Douglas died in London on 31 January 1900. He was 56.