Fred Cowman

1872-1947

Article by Alan Trout

Although born in Bradford on June 21, 1872, Frederick Cowman could be considered as one of the American jockeys who came to England at the turn of the 20th century. He emigrated after serving his apprenticeship in England and was riding in the United States by 1895.

He first appeared on an English racecourse in the opening race of the 1901 Flat season when he rode a horse named Frank Buckle, who finished unplaced in the Trial Plate at Lincoln on March 25. His first win was not long in coming, with Barleycorn winning the Croxton Park Stakes at that course on April, beating a rather better-known American jockey, Danny Maher, by two lengths. 

By the end of two seasons, Fred had ridden 24 winners, many of them for the Penrith trainer Bob Armstrong. His last win was gained on Swooper in the Haydock Summer Handicap on August 9, 1902, and it was at the same course that he had his final ride when Helen Margaret finished unplaced in the October Handicap on the 10th of that month. 

Before the start of the 1903 season, Fred left to ride in Hungary for the American trainer Matt Byrnes and was seen no more in England. 

Having eventually returned to America, Fred Cowman died in Albany, New York on November 28, 1947, aged 75. 

Fred Cowman’s wins were, in chronological order:

1. Barleycorn, Croxton Park, April 11, 1901

2. Scarem, Thirsk, May 2, 1901

3. Poplar Grove, Chester, May 7, 1901

4. Myrcia, Haydock Park, August 9, 1901

5. Little Connie, Hamilton Park, August 31, 1901

6. Dangerous, Ayr, September 19, 1901

7. Lass o’ Glory, Pontefract, September 25, 1901

8. Pavilion, Nottingham, October 7, 1901

9. Killucan, Haydock Park, October 11, 1901

10. Lady Min, Newcastle, October 22, 1901

11. Newbury, Newcastle, October 23, 1901

12. Pavilion, Newcastle, October 23, 1901

13. Scarem, Beverley, October 30, 1901 

14. Faisan d’Or, Newcastle, March 31, 1902

15. Florino, Bogside, April 10, 1902

16. Orris Root, Bogside, April 11, 1902

17. Fiorino, Bogside, April 11, 1902

18. Indian Ink, Pontefract, April 24, 1902

19. Cushat Doo, Pontefract, April 24, 1902

20. The Coon, Pontefract, April 25, 1902

21. Faisan d’Or, Hamilton Park, May 23, 1902

22. Scarem, Lincoln, June 10, 1902

23. Fiorino, Bogside, August 7, 1902

24. Swooper, Haydock Park, August 9, 1902