John (Jack) Baxter was based with Basil Briscoe, Golden Miller’s first trainer, at Longstowe, near Cambridge. He was among Briscoe’s best work riders. In fact, it was Jack who had given Golden Miller his first schooling session over hurdles prior to the horse making his racecourse debut.
He only rode Golden Miller in public once, that being in the Penkridge Chase, worth £117 to the winner, at Wolverhampton on Boxing Day 1934. With stable jockey Gerry Wilson on duty at Kempton and Jack being able to claim a handy 5lb, having won between 10 and 15 races, this lightened The Miller’s load to a mere 11st 5lb.
Jack rode a cool race, allowing the 1932 Grand National winner Forbra to come upside as they turned for home. But once they landed over the last fence, Jack gave a flick of his wrists and settled the issue in a few strides, Golden Miller drawing clear to win by eight lengths from Forbra, with the others far behind.
Sadly, just when he looked like making a name for himself, Jack Baxter was killed when his mount, Oudenarde, fell during the Somerset Handicap Chase at Taunton on September 30, 1937. He tumbled beneath the horse and received severe internal injuries. His skull was fractured and he died within minutes of being taken to Taunton & Somerset Hospital.
The accident happened in front of the stands and was witnessed by thousands of spectators. He was 26 years of age.
His funeral took place at Longstowe, Cambridgeshire, on October 5, 1937.
