Harry Luke
1847 - 1917
1847 - 1917
Harry Luke's career was ruined by rheumatism.
Harry Luke's career was ruined by rheumatism.
Born at Widdecombe on March 14, 1847, he was orphaned aged 12.
Born at Widdecombe on March 14, 1847, he was orphaned aged 12.
He rode several good winners including Jester, who took the 1878 Cesarewitch and Monaco, who won the 1876 Stewards' Cup, but the highlight of his career came in 1876 when he won his only classic, the 2,000 Guineas on Petrarch.
He rode several good winners including Jester, who took the 1878 Cesarewitch and Monaco, who won the 1876 Stewards' Cup, but the highlight of his career came in 1876 when he won his only classic, the 2,000 Guineas on Petrarch.
Harry also won the 1883 Cambridgeshire on Bendigo and the Chesterfield Cup, plus the 1879 Northumberland Plate on Clearhead.
Harry also won the 1883 Cambridgeshire on Bendigo and the Chesterfield Cup, plus the 1879 Northumberland Plate on Clearhead.
A conceited individual, he published his memoirs in 1911. He and his wife both ended up in workhouses which did little for his conceited pride.
A conceited individual, he published his memoirs in 1911. He and his wife both ended up in workhouses which did little for his conceited pride.
Harry died on December 27, 1917, from heart disease. He was 70. His son, Henry Luke, was also a jockey and won the 1898 Manchester Cup on King Crow.
Harry died on December 27, 1917, from heart disease. He was 70. His son, Henry Luke, was also a jockey and won the 1898 Manchester Cup on King Crow.
Article courtesy of Chas Hammond.
Article courtesy of Chas Hammond.