Henry Leach
Chubb Leach (right) with Charlie Smirke
Chubb Leach (right) with Charlie Smirke
1907 - 1970
1907 - 1970
The son of a trainer, Henry Beresford Leach, better known as ‘Chubb’ Leach, was born on June 5, 1907. He was a younger brother of Classic winning jockey Jack Leach.
The son of a trainer, Henry Beresford Leach, better known as ‘Chubb’ Leach, was born on June 5, 1907. He was a younger brother of Classic winning jockey Jack Leach.
A third brother was called Felix, after their father. Felix Jr. died in 1930 during an operation for appendicitis.
A third brother was called Felix, after their father. Felix Jr. died in 1930 during an operation for appendicitis.
Chubb was also fairly successful, riding his first winner, Southern Beauty, on Thursday, June 9, 1921, at Newbury.
Chubb was also fairly successful, riding his first winner, Southern Beauty, on Thursday, June 9, 1921, at Newbury.
He achieved his biggest victories on Rugeley in the 1924 Chester Cup and on Tommy Atkins in the 1929 Ayr Gold Cup.
He achieved his biggest victories on Rugeley in the 1924 Chester Cup and on Tommy Atkins in the 1929 Ayr Gold Cup.
He retired the following year and, in 1931, became a trainer, based at Newmarket.
He retired the following year and, in 1931, became a trainer, based at Newmarket.
Henry trained at Queensbury Lodge, as did his father, Felix Watmough Leach (1867 -1952).
Henry trained at Queensbury Lodge, as did his father, Felix Watmough Leach (1867 -1952).
Henry lived at Meddler Stud, Kentford, Suffolk, where he died, aged 62, on 12 March, 1970, leaving £8,407.
Henry lived at Meddler Stud, Kentford, Suffolk, where he died, aged 62, on 12 March, 1970, leaving £8,407.
On 15 August, 1934, he was fined £10, and ordered to pay costs, for driving his car without due care and attention.
On 15 August, 1934, he was fined £10, and ordered to pay costs, for driving his car without due care and attention.
Henry's Chester Cup victory on Wednesday, May 14, 1924.
Henry's Chester Cup victory on Wednesday, May 14, 1924.
After this win, a newspaper wrote: 'It is no reflection upon the proved ability of H. Leach,
After this win, a newspaper wrote: 'It is no reflection upon the proved ability of H. Leach,
the Newmarket light-weight to say that Rugeley won the race by himself and with the
the Newmarket light-weight to say that Rugeley won the race by himself and with the
minimum assistance from the saddle. Leach only had to sit on him and lend his
minimum assistance from the saddle. Leach only had to sit on him and lend his
assistance in taking a favourable position as opportunity occurred and reason
assistance in taking a favourable position as opportunity occurred and reason
dictated. The horse did the rest...'
dictated. The horse did the rest...'