Alec Goodman
1822 - 1904
1822 - 1904
Alexander Goodman was the winning jockey aboard Miss Mowbray when that horse won the 1852 Grand National. Fourteen years later, he rode a second, Salamander, in 1866.
Alexander Goodman was the winning jockey aboard Miss Mowbray when that horse won the 1852 Grand National. Fourteen years later, he rode a second, Salamander, in 1866.
His father, Simon Goodman, was the tenant of a fen farm on the Townley estate near Upwell, Cambridgeshire, and it was here, on July 30, 1822, that Alexander was born. In 1830, the family migrated to Willow Hall, a large farmhouse in the Parish of Thorney, some five miles from Peterborough.
His father, Simon Goodman, was the tenant of a fen farm on the Townley estate near Upwell, Cambridgeshire, and it was here, on July 30, 1822, that Alexander was born. In 1830, the family migrated to Willow Hall, a large farmhouse in the Parish of Thorney, some five miles from Peterborough.
Alec became a border at the local Grammar School. On his two days off, Wednesday and Saturday, he rode whatever pony or small horse his father might have on his hands.
Alec became a border at the local Grammar School. On his two days off, Wednesday and Saturday, he rode whatever pony or small horse his father might have on his hands.
He was barely 18 when, in 1840, he rode in his first steeplechase over the severe course at Yaxley, near Peterborough. He finished second, and rode to such effect as to prompt this comment in a sporting paper of the period: 'Mr Goodman's Sailor Boy was ridden by himself in such a masterly style as to elicit the applause of the several thousands watching...'
He was barely 18 when, in 1840, he rode in his first steeplechase over the severe course at Yaxley, near Peterborough. He finished second, and rode to such effect as to prompt this comment in a sporting paper of the period: 'Mr Goodman's Sailor Boy was ridden by himself in such a masterly style as to elicit the applause of the several thousands watching...'
He was 22 when he occupied his own 750 acre farm, close to his father's.
He was 22 when he occupied his own 750 acre farm, close to his father's.
In 1853, Simon Goodman died, and Alec returned to live at Willow Hall, which then consisted of three farms standing in 1,200 acres of land on the Duke of Bedford's Thorney estate. Here he stayed until 1879 when he went to live at Hawton Grange, near Newark, where he regularly hunted with his lifelong friend, Frank Gordon.
In 1853, Simon Goodman died, and Alec returned to live at Willow Hall, which then consisted of three farms standing in 1,200 acres of land on the Duke of Bedford's Thorney estate. Here he stayed until 1879 when he went to live at Hawton Grange, near Newark, where he regularly hunted with his lifelong friend, Frank Gordon.
After victory in the National, Salamander raced again just eight days later. Alec again was in the saddle for the Grand Annual at Warwick. Horse and jockey made every yard of the running to win in a canter by over 20 lengths.
After victory in the National, Salamander raced again just eight days later. Alec again was in the saddle for the Grand Annual at Warwick. Horse and jockey made every yard of the running to win in a canter by over 20 lengths.
On April 11, Alec took Salamander to Crewkerne for the Somerset Open Handicap Steelplechase. It was a race too far. Cantering to an easy victory, he fell, receiving such injuries that he had to be destroyed.
On April 11, Alec took Salamander to Crewkerne for the Somerset Open Handicap Steelplechase. It was a race too far. Cantering to an easy victory, he fell, receiving such injuries that he had to be destroyed.
Alec rode for the last time on Saturday March 23, 1871, when he won the Hunt Cup Steeplechase at Warwick.
Alec rode for the last time on Saturday March 23, 1871, when he won the Hunt Cup Steeplechase at Warwick.
He then devoted himself to his farm until 1884, when he retired to Leamington.
He then devoted himself to his farm until 1884, when he retired to Leamington.
Alec Goodman died on September 20, 1904, aged 82.
Alec Goodman died on September 20, 1904, aged 82.
His son, Young Alec, as he was known, followed in his father's footsteps and became a fine rider to hounds and between the flags.
His son, Young Alec, as he was known, followed in his father's footsteps and became a fine rider to hounds and between the flags.
Big wins:
Big wins:
1852: Grand National - Miss Mowbray
1852: Grand National - Miss Mowbray
1863: National Hunt Chase - Socks
1863: National Hunt Chase - Socks
1965: National Hunt Chase - Emperor
1965: National Hunt Chase - Emperor
1866: National Hunt Chase - Shangarry
1866: National Hunt Chase - Shangarry
1866: Grand National - Salamander
1866: Grand National - Salamander
1867: Warwick Grand Annual - Shakespeare
1867: Warwick Grand Annual - Shakespeare