Charles Bevill, born at March, Cambridgeshire, on May 4, 1807, was the son of a magistrate.
He had his first ride in the Grand National in 1847 when Latitat fell behind the first Irish winner of the race, Matthew. The following year he rode The British Yeoman (11 st 4 lb, including a 10 lb penalty) and, after making most of the running, was the first to clear the last fence. He was collared on the run-in by both the eventual winner, Chandler - ridden by Captain Little - and Curate - the mount of Tom Olliver.
He was back at Aintree the following year, riding the same horse which carried the same weight. They finished unplaced. Compensation awaited: they won the big steeplechase at both Bath and Newmarket and, but for a broken collar-bone sustained when falling from Lottery, Charles would certainly have ridden the grey to victory in the 1849 Metropolitan. As it was, Fred Archer's father, William, substituted and, on atrocious going which The British Yeoman relished, came home alone.
Charles had better luck in Warwick's Grand Annual Steeplechase, winning on both Latitat and Sir Peter Laurie.
He also owned several good horses and gained his most important victory with Mr Taft, a half-bred, carrying 6 st 6 lbs. in the Cesarewitch of 1851. He won the Cesarewitch for a second time in 1861 with Audrey. He enjoyed another good win when Suspicion landed the 1865 Goodwood Stakes.
Charles Bevill retired, and inhabitants and visitors of Brighton were in the habit of meeting him as he took his daily walk along the King's Road between the Old Club and Hove, where he resided. To the end he retained his agility, cheery spirits and powers of repartee.
Aged 77, Charles died at Brighton on 29 September 1884.
