Arthur Gregson
National Hunt jockey Arthur Gregson rode 44 winners between 1913 and 1925 in a career compromised by World War One.
National Hunt jockey Arthur Gregson rode 44 winners between 1913 and 1925 in a career compromised by World War One.
Arthur had his first ride in public when finishing unplaced on Lysander in the Grand Annual Handicap Chase at Worcester on May 2, 1913. This had once been a highly prestigious event, ranked only behind the Leamington Grand Annual and the Grand National itself in terms of importance.
Arthur had his first ride in public when finishing unplaced on Lysander in the Grand Annual Handicap Chase at Worcester on May 2, 1913. This had once been a highly prestigious event, ranked only behind the Leamington Grand Annual and the Grand National itself in terms of importance.
The Worcester Grand Annual was first run in 1836. During the race’s salad days in the 1840s and 1850s it was targeted by Grand National winners and the country’s top chasers, but by the end of the 1860s its heyday was over. By the close of the century, the race was a mere a shadow of its former self. Its distance – originally four miles – had been gradually reduced and by 1913 it was just another two-mile steeplechase of only minor importance.
The Worcester Grand Annual was first run in 1836. During the race’s salad days in the 1840s and 1850s it was targeted by Grand National winners and the country’s top chasers, but by the end of the 1860s its heyday was over. By the close of the century, the race was a mere a shadow of its former self. Its distance – originally four miles – had been gradually reduced and by 1913 it was just another two-mile steeplechase of only minor importance.
Arthur did not have to wait overly long before visiting the winner’s enclosure for the first time. That day came on October 27, 1913, winning the two-mile Newark Handicap Chase at Nottingham by a short head on 7-1 chance Orangeville.
Arthur did not have to wait overly long before visiting the winner’s enclosure for the first time. That day came on October 27, 1913, winning the two-mile Newark Handicap Chase at Nottingham by a short head on 7-1 chance Orangeville.
He enjoyed his most successful year in 1921 with 12 wins. They included a double at Derby on January 17 aboard Good Points in the Derby Handicap Hurdle and Sprig Of Orange in the Etwall (4yo) Hurdle; and another double at Newport on May 17 on Scrabo in the Risca Selling Handicap Chase and Doncher in the Newport Handicap Hurdle.
He enjoyed his most successful year in 1921 with 12 wins. They included a double at Derby on January 17 aboard Good Points in the Derby Handicap Hurdle and Sprig Of Orange in the Etwall (4yo) Hurdle; and another double at Newport on May 17 on Scrabo in the Risca Selling Handicap Chase and Doncher in the Newport Handicap Hurdle.
That same year, 1921, he finished second, beaten five lengths, on Knight Of Manister in the Grand International Hurdle at Gatwick. He also had his sole Grand National ride that year on 33-1 shot Rather Dark, who sadly broke down after being prominent in the early stages.
That same year, 1921, he finished second, beaten five lengths, on Knight Of Manister in the Grand International Hurdle at Gatwick. He also had his sole Grand National ride that year on 33-1 shot Rather Dark, who sadly broke down after being prominent in the early stages.
Arthur rode his last winner on Ramses in the Novices’ Chase at Bournemouth on December 23, 1925. His final ride ended in a fall from Honeycroft in the Novices’ Chase at Kempton Park on March 2, 1927.
Arthur rode his last winner on Ramses in the Novices’ Chase at Bournemouth on December 23, 1925. His final ride ended in a fall from Honeycroft in the Novices’ Chase at Kempton Park on March 2, 1927.
Arthur's first winner: October 27, 1913
Arthur's first winner: October 27, 1913
Arthur’s final winner: December 23, 1925
Arthur’s final winner: December 23, 1925