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1838 - 1892
1838 - 1892
John Parsons won the Epsom Derby at just 16: John Beasley won the Lincoln Handicap at just 14 while Tom Morgan won the Great Metropolitan, also aged just 14.
John Parsons won the Epsom Derby at just 16: John Beasley won the Lincoln Handicap at just 14 while Tom Morgan won the Great Metropolitan, also aged just 14.
To the names of these precocious young jockeys must now be added the name of James (Jem) Goater.
To the names of these precocious young jockeys must now be added the name of James (Jem) Goater.
‘Jem’ started out at Mr Dilly’s stable near Winchester, and came into the public’s gaze when, as a 14-year-old, he rode Joe Miller to victory in the 1852 Chester Cup. What was so memorable about this race was the fact that there were 43 runners, the greatest number of runners ever assembled at the start of a flat race.
‘Jem’ started out at Mr Dilly’s stable near Winchester, and came into the public’s gaze when, as a 14-year-old, he rode Joe Miller to victory in the 1852 Chester Cup. What was so memorable about this race was the fact that there were 43 runners, the greatest number of runners ever assembled at the start of a flat race.
The race was started in two tiers, Joe Miller drawn in the first, at ten of twenty-one. Given the number of runners and the quality of riding opposition (Tom Aldcroft, George Fordham and the like), James Goater had a fairly simple time of things, taking up the running at the Railway turn and winning in a canter from Aldcroft.
The race was started in two tiers, Joe Miller drawn in the first, at ten of twenty-one. Given the number of runners and the quality of riding opposition (Tom Aldcroft, George Fordham and the like), James Goater had a fairly simple time of things, taking up the running at the Railway turn and winning in a canter from Aldcroft.
Immediately after, Jem was offered rides in the colours of Mr Merry, Mr Fiennes, Mr Snewing, Mr Padwick and Mr Newland. Jem, in later years, rode a good deal for Lord Portsmouth.
Immediately after, Jem was offered rides in the colours of Mr Merry, Mr Fiennes, Mr Snewing, Mr Padwick and Mr Newland. Jem, in later years, rode a good deal for Lord Portsmouth.
His major wins were in the first ever Grand Prix de Paris on The Ranger; Chamant in the 2,000 Guineas: 1876 St Leger on Petrach, Rayon d’or in the 1879 St Leger and the Lincoln Handicap on Zut. He also won the French Derby four times.
His major wins were in the first ever Grand Prix de Paris on The Ranger; Chamant in the 2,000 Guineas: 1876 St Leger on Petrach, Rayon d’or in the 1879 St Leger and the Lincoln Handicap on Zut. He also won the French Derby four times.
Jem didn’t appear much in public during his last years, but, such was his experience and knowledge of pace, he was much sought after to ride trials. He rode his last winner on Yard Arm at Newmarket on October 21, 1889.
Jem didn’t appear much in public during his last years, but, such was his experience and knowledge of pace, he was much sought after to ride trials. He rode his last winner on Yard Arm at Newmarket on October 21, 1889.
James Goater died in Park Lane, Newmarket on April 6th 1892 aged 53.
James Goater died in Park Lane, Newmarket on April 6th 1892 aged 53.
He left effects of £1,364 to his widow, Sarah.
He left effects of £1,364 to his widow, Sarah.
James’s brother, William, died on March 21st 1896. William had been a successful trainer in England, sending out Petrarch to win the St Leger, Sutton, the Cambridgeshire and Tipthorpe for the Stewards’ Cup. He was, however, mainly remembered for training the winners of three Cesarewitches (Rocket, 1858 - Don Juan, 1883 and Primrose Day, 1889).
James’s brother, William, died on March 21st 1896. William had been a successful trainer in England, sending out Petrarch to win the St Leger, Sutton, the Cambridgeshire and Tipthorpe for the Stewards’ Cup. He was, however, mainly remembered for training the winners of three Cesarewitches (Rocket, 1858 - Don Juan, 1883 and Primrose Day, 1889).
James Goater was born at Stockbridge on May 28, 1838. He was a very quiet, unassuming man who liked music.
James Goater was born at Stockbridge on May 28, 1838. He was a very quiet, unassuming man who liked music.
He was apprenticed to William Day. His last winner was Yard Arm at Newmarket on October 21, 1889.
He was apprenticed to William Day. His last winner was Yard Arm at Newmarket on October 21, 1889.
He rode in 28 Derbies without winning.
He rode in 28 Derbies without winning.
His brother Harry was also a jockey and, like James, also won the Royal Hunt Cup (Sir Charles, 1851).
His brother Harry was also a jockey and, like James, also won the Royal Hunt Cup (Sir Charles, 1851).
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