Basil Ernest Jarvis, the second son of trainer W. A. Jarvis, was apprenticed to his father and rode his first winner on Shillitoe at Liverpool in 1902. On becoming too heavy for the Flat he rode a few winners over the sticks including the last jumping meeting held at Newmarket in 1905.
He began training in 1909 and by the end of WW1 had a useful string at Newmarket's Green Lodge Stable, formerly the quarters of his uncle James Ryan.
Basil trained the winners of the 1921 Ascot Gold Cup (Periosteum) and the Gold Vase with Copyright.
In 1938 Basil took over control of Lord Glanely's private stable, The Grange, which was requisitioned by the Army during WW2.
Basil was a widower for over 30 years, yet retained a great zest for life. A keen cricketer and seen regularly out hunting, he had a genial, generous nature and was a popular figure in the social life at Newmarket.
Basil died on January 18, 1957.