Jack Anthony

John Randolph Anthony, always known as Jack, was born at Cilverthy, Kidwelly, on January 21, 1890. He learnt the art of riding on his father's horses at local shows and point-to-points, and won his first steeplechase when he was 16. This was on Mar Lodge II in the Farmers' Open Chase at Ludlow on March 6, 1906, the first of 599 winners he would ride during his career.  

He rode in 12 Grand Nationals, winning the race on three occasions; the one-eyed Glenside 1911, when he replaced the injured 'Tich' Mason, who'd broken a leg before the race, Ally Sloper 1915 and Troytown1920. 

Jack was still riding as an amateur when completing this remarkable treble.

He also finished second on Old Tay Bridge and third on Bright's Boy.

He became Champion Jockey in 1914 with 60 winners, and turned professional in 1921. He was Champion Jockey again the following year, with 78.

After retiring from riding in 1927 he took out a licence to train at Letcombe Regis, near Wantage. His chief owner was the famous American sportsman Jock Whitney for whom he saddled Easter Hero to win the 1929 and 1930 Cheltenham Gold Cups.

He was very unlucky not to have won the 1929 Grand National with the mighty Easter Hero: the horse spread a plate halfway round the second circuit yet still finished second in a field of 66.

Jack also trained Thomond ll and Brown Tony, who won the Champion Hurdle in 1930.

He was seriously injured in America whilst on holiday in 1954. Dismounting from a horse, he broke his leg just above the ankle.

Aged 64, and a chronic alcoholic, Jack died of cirrhosis of the liver on Saturday, July 10 1954 at his home in Letcombe Regis, Berkshire. He left £19,167.

Jack Anthony's Grand National record:  

Glenside  (1911)  WON: a chance ride and which was the only horse of 26 to get round without being remounted.

Regent (1913) fell

Couvrefeu II  (1914) pulled up

Ally Sloper  (1915) WON: named after a cartoon character, this was the first winner National winner to be owned by a woman (Lady Nelson).

Troytown   (1920)  WON

Daydawn  (1921)  fell

Clashing Arms  (1922)  fell Forewarned (1923)  11-2 favourites, fell

Music Hall (1924) pulled up

Old Tay Bridge  (1925) favourite, finished second

Old Tay Bridge  (1926) 2nd

Bright's Boy  (1927)  unplaced

Biggest wins:

1915 Champion Chase: Couvrefeu ll

1920 Becher Chase: Always

1921 Becher Chase: Clashing Arms

1923 Liverpool Hurdle: Cavalier

1925 Scottish Grand National: Gerald L

1925 Stanley Chase: Marston Moor

Biggest wins as a trainer:

Cheltenham Gold Cup: 1929 & 1930  Easter Hero 

Champion Hurdle: 1930 Brown Tony