James Geary
James Geary's only win, Shooting Star at Hawthorn Hill
James Geary's only win, Shooting Star at Hawthorn Hill
James Geary
James Geary
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
James Geary rode just one winner over jumps in Britain, but he also took part in the Grand National. He had his first ride at Newbury on February 15, 1928, when Eastern Sun, owned by former champion jockey Ernie Piggott, finished unplaced in the Berkshire Selling Handicap Hurdle.
James Geary rode just one winner over jumps in Britain, but he also took part in the Grand National. He had his first ride at Newbury on February 15, 1928, when Eastern Sun, owned by former champion jockey Ernie Piggott, finished unplaced in the Berkshire Selling Handicap Hurdle.
His sole victory came at Hawthorn Hill on March 14, 1932, when he partnered Shooting Star to win the Maidenhead Selling Chase. The five-year-old was owned and trained by former leading amateur rider Morgan Blair. James had ridden him in all his seven previous starts that season and had managed a couple of placed efforts. Now he beat a dozen rivals and won by four lengths.
His sole victory came at Hawthorn Hill on March 14, 1932, when he partnered Shooting Star to win the Maidenhead Selling Chase. The five-year-old was owned and trained by former leading amateur rider Morgan Blair. James had ridden him in all his seven previous starts that season and had managed a couple of placed efforts. Now he beat a dozen rivals and won by four lengths.
Just four days later he lined up for the Grand National on another of Morgan Blair’s horses, 100-1 outsider Prince Cherry, who he was riding for the first time. Gerry Hardy usually rode the eight-year-old but he was aboard the more fancied stable companion Great Spann, while Fairland Mason partnered the stable’s third runner, Aruntius.
Just four days later he lined up for the Grand National on another of Morgan Blair’s horses, 100-1 outsider Prince Cherry, who he was riding for the first time. Gerry Hardy usually rode the eight-year-old but he was aboard the more fancied stable companion Great Spann, while Fairland Mason partnered the stable’s third runner, Aruntius.
Victory that year went to Tim Hamey on Forbra. Great Span fell and Prince Cherry and Aruntius both refused, all three of that trio being out of the race before halfway.
Victory that year went to Tim Hamey on Forbra. Great Span fell and Prince Cherry and Aruntius both refused, all three of that trio being out of the race before halfway.
James did at least manage to complete the course in the other major race he rode in that season, the Lancashire Chase at Manchester, coming home seventh of the eight finishers on Prince Cherry behind Huic Holloa, the mount of Hoarce Hodgkinson.
James did at least manage to complete the course in the other major race he rode in that season, the Lancashire Chase at Manchester, coming home seventh of the eight finishers on Prince Cherry behind Huic Holloa, the mount of Hoarce Hodgkinson.