James Jewitt
1856 - 1899
1856 - 1899
James Jewitt, born in Salford on November 10, 1856, served his apprenticeship under Newmarket trainer Charles Blanton. He had his first mount in public, his father's Cairngorm in the Midsummer Plate, at West Drayton, where, in 1868, he also rode his first winner.
James Jewitt, born in Salford on November 10, 1856, served his apprenticeship under Newmarket trainer Charles Blanton. He had his first mount in public, his father's Cairngorm in the Midsummer Plate, at West Drayton, where, in 1868, he also rode his first winner.
Unfortunately, few opportunities came his way though he did win the Great Eastern Handicap on True Blue in 1869 and the Lincoln Autumn Handicap on Adelaide.
Unfortunately, few opportunities came his way though he did win the Great Eastern Handicap on True Blue in 1869 and the Lincoln Autumn Handicap on Adelaide.
The following season, riding at Windsor, he had a serious accident when a horse called Perfume kicked him at the starting post, breaking James's leg.
The following season, riding at Windsor, he had a serious accident when a horse called Perfume kicked him at the starting post, breaking James's leg.
He was never destined to win a major prize as a jockey, but he did land the 1870 Newmarket Handicap on Miss Sheppard and the same year's Lewes Handicap on Play. He also won the 1874 Chesterfield Handicap for Prince Soltykoff at the Newmarket July Meeting .
He was never destined to win a major prize as a jockey, but he did land the 1870 Newmarket Handicap on Miss Sheppard and the same year's Lewes Handicap on Play. He also won the 1874 Chesterfield Handicap for Prince Soltykoff at the Newmarket July Meeting .
In 1873 he won the Great Cheshire stakes on Bertram, but was putting on weight so fast that he was compelled to give up racing on the flat.
In 1873 he won the Great Cheshire stakes on Bertram, but was putting on weight so fast that he was compelled to give up racing on the flat.
Two years later, he was approached by Captain Machell who required someone to train and ride his steeplechasers kept at Kentford. James accepted the offer and, in the the following months, rode several winners for his new boss.
Two years later, he was approached by Captain Machell who required someone to train and ride his steeplechasers kept at Kentford. James accepted the offer and, in the the following months, rode several winners for his new boss.
He was on board Chandos, favourite for the 1876 Grand National. James had won the Grand National Hurdle on him the previous season, and was keen on his chances. In the event, Chandos overjumped the fence after Valentine's, giving James a hefty fall. Captain Machell's other entry, the five -year-old Regal, partnered by Joe Cannon, won the race, giving the captain ample compensation.
He was on board Chandos, favourite for the 1876 Grand National. James had won the Grand National Hurdle on him the previous season, and was keen on his chances. In the event, Chandos overjumped the fence after Valentine's, giving James a hefty fall. Captain Machell's other entry, the five -year-old Regal, partnered by Joe Cannon, won the race, giving the captain ample compensation.
James partnered Regal in the 1881 race.; he finished second.
James partnered Regal in the 1881 race.; he finished second.
When, in 1880, Joe Cannon moved on to train horses for Lord Rosebery, James moved into Bedford Cottage, where he remained a trainer up to his untimely death.
When, in 1880, Joe Cannon moved on to train horses for Lord Rosebery, James moved into Bedford Cottage, where he remained a trainer up to his untimely death.
The best horse James rode was Congress, on which he won the 1876 Grand Sefton and the 1877 Grand Steeplechase de Paris. Other good wins as a jockey came on Bertram (1872 King's Stand Stakes), Hop Bloom (1880 Sandown Grand Prize Hurdle) and Miss Lizzie, which won the Liverpool Hurdle in 1878 and 1882.
The best horse James rode was Congress, on which he won the 1876 Grand Sefton and the 1877 Grand Steeplechase de Paris. Other good wins as a jockey came on Bertram (1872 King's Stand Stakes), Hop Bloom (1880 Sandown Grand Prize Hurdle) and Miss Lizzie, which won the Liverpool Hurdle in 1878 and 1882.
James Jewitt, aged 43, died from syphilis in Newmarket on November 11, 1899.
James Jewitt, aged 43, died from syphilis in Newmarket on November 11, 1899.
