Geza Janek
A Hungarian by birth, Geza Janek was a successful apprentice in his own country working in the stables of Count Tassilo Festetics before attracting the attention of a member of the Waugh family, who had long been associated with racing in Hungary.
A Hungarian by birth, Geza Janek was a successful apprentice in his own country working in the stables of Count Tassilo Festetics before attracting the attention of a member of the Waugh family, who had long been associated with racing in Hungary.
Negotiations to transfer his indentures to Willie Waugh at Falmouth House, Newmarket, were completed in 1903 and Janek's first ride in England came at Newmarket's Craven Meeting that autumn where he rode Bowery in the Apprentice Nursery Plate run over the Dewhurst Plate course. Because Janek's reputation had proceeded him, Bowery was made a warm favourite before winning 'cleverly' by half-a-length.
Negotiations to transfer his indentures to Willie Waugh at Falmouth House, Newmarket, were completed in 1903 and Janek's first ride in England came at Newmarket's Craven Meeting that autumn where he rode Bowery in the Apprentice Nursery Plate run over the Dewhurst Plate course. Because Janek's reputation had proceeded him, Bowery was made a warm favourite before winning 'cleverly' by half-a-length.
With the nursery season in full swing, Janek's services became increasingly sought after and, on the first day of the Pontefract meeting, he landed a double on Sweet Katie in the Fryston Nursery and an unnamed colt by Galloping Lad from Mino in the West Riding Autumn Handicap. The following day he scored again at the track when getting Loving home in the Pontefract Selling Handicap.
With the nursery season in full swing, Janek's services became increasingly sought after and, on the first day of the Pontefract meeting, he landed a double on Sweet Katie in the Fryston Nursery and an unnamed colt by Galloping Lad from Mino in the West Riding Autumn Handicap. The following day he scored again at the track when getting Loving home in the Pontefract Selling Handicap.
The best afternoon of his first season came on the second day at Northampton where he partnered the runners of Sir Blundell Maple. Janek landed a treble, scoring on Cragthorne, Bowery and Galloway.
The best afternoon of his first season came on the second day at Northampton where he partnered the runners of Sir Blundell Maple. Janek landed a treble, scoring on Cragthorne, Bowery and Galloway.
After the death of Sir Blundell, Janek returned to Austria the following year where he rode for Mr Metcalf's stable. He won the Austrian Derby riding Rascal.
After the death of Sir Blundell, Janek returned to Austria the following year where he rode for Mr Metcalf's stable. He won the Austrian Derby riding Rascal.
Janek returned to England in 1907 and rode a notable race in the All Aged Stakes on Ascot Gold Cup day. Riding Bob Marche, he was beaten only by the heavily-backed favourite, Rocketeer.
Janek returned to England in 1907 and rode a notable race in the All Aged Stakes on Ascot Gold Cup day. Riding Bob Marche, he was beaten only by the heavily-backed favourite, Rocketeer.
On Sunday, 3 July 1910, Janek, then aged 22, was returning with several of his friends from the Alag races to Budapest in his motor car. Travelling at over 60 miles an hour, Janek suddenly collided with a market cart, the impact forcing the axle of the waggon into the breast of his best friend, Adolf Hirsch, who was sat beside him. The axle also struck Janek, breaking several of his ribs and badly damaging his left arm. Hirsch, a well-known automobilist, died within minutes. Janek was taken to hospital.
On Sunday, 3 July 1910, Janek, then aged 22, was returning with several of his friends from the Alag races to Budapest in his motor car. Travelling at over 60 miles an hour, Janek suddenly collided with a market cart, the impact forcing the axle of the waggon into the breast of his best friend, Adolf Hirsch, who was sat beside him. The axle also struck Janek, breaking several of his ribs and badly damaging his left arm. Hirsch, a well-known automobilist, died within minutes. Janek was taken to hospital.
On leaving hospital on July 7, he was immediately arrested, which caused him to faint. He was unconscious for some time.
On leaving hospital on July 7, he was immediately arrested, which caused him to faint. He was unconscious for some time.
Geza Janek died in Koenigsberg Hospital on June 1st 1932 after leaping from the window of his hotel in an attempt to commit suicide.
Geza Janek died in Koenigsberg Hospital on June 1st 1932 after leaping from the window of his hotel in an attempt to commit suicide.