Santiago Gomez
Santiago Gomez
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In 1901, South American Jockey Santiago Gomez (left), owner Mr T. Kincaid (with cigar), South American trainer Leandro Alvarez, and the racehorse Eclipse Lad, combined to land three of the better class races in England. Though just a one-year wonder, they left an indelible mark on racing's history.
Friday July 19 1901.
The parade for the Eclipse, worth £10,000 (a huge sum equivalent to millions today),
Epsom Lad & Santiago Gomez.
Epsom lad was foaled in 1897 by Ladas out of Disorder,
Despite a slipped saddle, Santiago clings on for victory. Epsom Lad won by a head from Ian, with Disguise third, in a time of around 2:08.40. Notable in the field was Diamond Jubilee (the 1900 Triple Crown winner and King's horse, owned by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII), who started as a strong favourite but faded to finish fourth after leading early. This result was considered a major upset, as Epsom Lad overcame more fancied rivals in a desperate close finish. Historical accounts praise Gomez's riding, noting he timed his challenge perfectly after Diamond Jubilee and others set a strong pace.
In 1902, Santiago Gomez moved to France, where he continued to ride and also set up as a trainer.
Epsom Lad and Santiago were made favourite for the Jockey Club Stakes
Though the winner won in a canter, most good judges agreed that Epsom Lad, but for losing fully a hundred yards at the Ditch Gap, would otherwise have won.
Leandro Alvarez
The training stables of Leandro Alvarez - home of Epsom Lad. Mr. Alvarez came to England in 1889, bringing with him a few horses and likewise his own stable attendants in the persons of some Spanish lads and the jockey, Santiago Gomez. The following year, sent to the sale of Lord Roseberry's horses, he purchased - on behalf of Mr T. Kincaid - the three-year-old gelding, Epsom Lad for 1,050 guineas, which was to prove a phenomenal bargain. Mr Alvarez also bought Black Sand that afternoon, which later was desperately unlucky to be defeated half a length in that year's Cersarewitch.
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James Buchanan - owner of Epsom Lad
Born on 16 August, 1849, James Buchanan, 1st Baron Woolavington (1849–1935), better known in racing circles as "Mr. T. Kincaid" (or simply Mr. Kincaid), was a Scottish-born whisky magnate, philanthropist, and one of the most successful Thoroughbred owners and breeders of the early 20th century. He raced under the pseudonym Mr. T. Kincaid (sometimes listed as Mr. Kincaid) for many years, a common practice among prominent owners to keep a low profile in the sport. This is how he was credited when his horse Epsom Lad won the prestigious Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park in 1901. James Buchanan - then Lord Woolavington - died at Lavington Park on 9 August 1935, aged 85. The peerage and baronetcy became extinct. He is buried in Graffham churchyard, Sussex.
Kempton October 11 1901. Santiago and Epsom Lad win the inaugural running of the Kempton Park Stakes
from Santoi, Volodyovski and Doricles.
In newspaper reports, Santiago Gomez is variously referred to as 'South American', 'Spanish' or Mexican. I have not been able to ascertain with certainty his origin.
Eclipse Stakes. Friday July 19 1901
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