Frank Gordon
1825 - 1907
1825 - 1907
Frank Gordon, the second son of the Rev, George Gordon, was born in Muston, Scarborough, on November 15, 1825. He was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, and intended following his father into the church before his love of horses took precedence.
Frank Gordon, the second son of the Rev, George Gordon, was born in Muston, Scarborough, on November 15, 1825. He was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, and intended following his father into the church before his love of horses took precedence.
He had just one ride in the Grand National, finishing a gallant second on Miss Mowbray, four lengths behind Peter Simple in 1863.
He had just one ride in the Grand National, finishing a gallant second on Miss Mowbray, four lengths behind Peter Simple in 1863.
Frank is also remembered for his ride on The Sluggard at Melton, where he beat the renowned Jim Mason, on a hunter of his own, in a £500 match.
Frank is also remembered for his ride on The Sluggard at Melton, where he beat the renowned Jim Mason, on a hunter of his own, in a £500 match.
Frank almost died at Market Harborough in the early 1860s when riding in the National Hunt Steeplechase. His horse came to grief at the brook, wedging itself on top of its struggling rider. So dangerous was the position that no one dare go to his assistance until an offer of a sovereign induced one man, braver than the rest, to go to the rescue.
Frank almost died at Market Harborough in the early 1860s when riding in the National Hunt Steeplechase. His horse came to grief at the brook, wedging itself on top of its struggling rider. So dangerous was the position that no one dare go to his assistance until an offer of a sovereign induced one man, braver than the rest, to go to the rescue.
Spooked, he only rode in two races after this.
Spooked, he only rode in two races after this.
Aged 82, Frank Gordon died on 1 March 1907, as the result of a cold caught whilst out hunting a fortnight earlier. Two months later, his brother, George Gordon, born in 1822 and a noted rider with the Belvoir Hounds, also died.
Aged 82, Frank Gordon died on 1 March 1907, as the result of a cold caught whilst out hunting a fortnight earlier. Two months later, his brother, George Gordon, born in 1822 and a noted rider with the Belvoir Hounds, also died.
Both Frank's sons, Arthur and Robert (Bert) Gordon, became successful steeplechase jockeys.
Both Frank's sons, Arthur and Robert (Bert) Gordon, became successful steeplechase jockeys.