Tommy Handley
(c1851 - 1933)
(c1851 - 1933)
Thomas Handley was born in Manchester circa 1851. He was apprenticed to James Hopwood who trained at Hednesford, in Staffordshire.
Thomas Handley was born in Manchester circa 1851. He was apprenticed to James Hopwood who trained at Hednesford, in Staffordshire.
He rode his first winner in 1867 and also had a mount in that year’s Cesarewitch.
He rode his first winner in 1867 and also had a mount in that year’s Cesarewitch.
At the end of the decade he was offered the chance to ride in France and seized the opportunity with both hands. In September 1870, at the height of the Franco-Prussian War, Tommy crossed the English Channel to win the Doncaster Cup on one of his employer Charlie Pratt’s horses, the odds-on favourite Sornette, owned by Major Fridolin.
At the end of the decade he was offered the chance to ride in France and seized the opportunity with both hands. In September 1870, at the height of the Franco-Prussian War, Tommy crossed the English Channel to win the Doncaster Cup on one of his employer Charlie Pratt’s horses, the odds-on favourite Sornette, owned by Major Fridolin.
He continued to ride in France throughout the 1870s.
He continued to ride in France throughout the 1870s.
Tommy Handley died in 1933.
Tommy Handley died in 1933.