Tommy Ashmall

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Born on December 28, 1836, Tommy was the nephew of Tom Carr, a Hednesford racehorse trainer. His father, a gentleman farmer, lived and worked at Fairwell Hall near Rugeley, Staffordshire.

Tommy’s best friend at school was John Porter, who would go on to be one of the greatest trainers of all time. John would spend his holidays at Fairwell Hall and he and Tommy would regularly visit Tom Carr’s stables, both catching the racing bug at an early age.

Tommy became apprenticed to Thomas Taylor, eventually marrying one of his daughters. Another young apprentice to marry a Taylor daughter was John Wells who went on to be a Classic winning jockey. Wells also became good friends with Tommy and, whenever he had to decline the offer of a ride on a fancied horse, Wells would recommend him for the mount. Tommy’s luck continued when he landed a job at the famous John Scott’s stables at Whitewall, Malton. Together with fellow jockeys Nat Flatman and Thomas Aldcroft, he rode there for a number of seasons and won three Classics for the stable. He also rode a further two Classic winners for trainer T Eskrett.

His luck ran out one afternoon when riding Lucknow for the Marquis of Exeter.‭ ‬During the race he was torn out of the saddle by Chevalier,‭ ‬a savage brute owned by Mr W.S.‭ ‬Crawford.‭ ‬Chevalier flew open-mouthed at the jockey,‭ ‬seizing him by one thigh and shaking him like a doormat.

Tommy later trained in France. He died on May 22, 1875.

Tommy Ashmall’s classic wins:

2,000 Guineas: The Wizard (1860) and The Marquis (1862)

1,000 Guineas: Governess (1858) and Hurricane (1862)

The Oaks: Governess (1858)

Other big wins include:

1854: Stewards' Cup - Pumicestone

1854: Northumberland Plate - Grapeshot

1855: Ascot Gold Cup - Fandango

1855: Nassau Stakes - Instructress

1857: Goodwood Cup - Monarque

1857: French Derby - Lupin

1858: Park Hill Stakes - Hepatica

1858: Nassau Stakes - Go-Ahead

1859: Ascot Derby - Gamester