Thomas Lyons
Thomas Lyons
Thomas Lyons
National Hunt jockey Thomas Lyons enjoyed some success in his native Ireland before making the occasional venture to England either side of the First World War, recording four wins before the war and three afterwards.
National Hunt jockey Thomas Lyons enjoyed some success in his native Ireland before making the occasional venture to England either side of the First World War, recording four wins before the war and three afterwards.
Thomas rode at least ten winners in Ireland in 1908, largely thanks to the handicap chaser Cloverfield, on which he won six times: at Fedamore in April, Nenagh in May, Newcastle West in June, Clonmel in September, Listowel in October, and Limerick on St Stephen’s Day, (as Boxing Day is known in Ireland). His other wins that year included a double at Tralee on September 10, aboard chasers Prince Of Peace and Singland.
Thomas rode at least ten winners in Ireland in 1908, largely thanks to the handicap chaser Cloverfield, on which he won six times: at Fedamore in April, Nenagh in May, Newcastle West in June, Clonmel in September, Listowel in October, and Limerick on St Stephen’s Day, (as Boxing Day is known in Ireland). His other wins that year included a double at Tralee on September 10, aboard chasers Prince Of Peace and Singland.
Thomas rode Cloverfield to win the same handicap chase at Nenagh in May 1909. Later that year he had his first ride in Britain when Carnforth finished unplaced in the Three-Year-Old Hurdle at Sandown Park on October 23.
Thomas rode Cloverfield to win the same handicap chase at Nenagh in May 1909. Later that year he had his first ride in Britain when Carnforth finished unplaced in the Three-Year-Old Hurdle at Sandown Park on October 23.
It was not until December 18, 1912, that he won his first English race, when his mount Little Lady landed the Duffield Selling Hurdle at Derby by four lengths, benefitting from the fall of the 5-2 on favourite Sherwood Rise at the first flight.
It was not until December 18, 1912, that he won his first English race, when his mount Little Lady landed the Duffield Selling Hurdle at Derby by four lengths, benefitting from the fall of the 5-2 on favourite Sherwood Rise at the first flight.
He had three wins in 1913 but did not ride in England between 1916 and 1919, when the war severely restricted the amount of racing. He returned in 1920, and the following year rode three more winners, ending with victory on Wise Folly in the Boveney Three-Year-Old Hurdle ay Windsor on December 15, beating Croissant d’Or, the mount of Harry East, by six lengths.
He had three wins in 1913 but did not ride in England between 1916 and 1919, when the war severely restricted the amount of racing. He returned in 1920, and the following year rode three more winners, ending with victory on Wise Folly in the Boveney Three-Year-Old Hurdle ay Windsor on December 15, beating Croissant d’Or, the mount of Harry East, by six lengths.
Thomas rode for the last time in England at the Hambledon Hunt meeting on May 8, 1924, in a race that was run twice. In the Hambledon Hurdle his mount, Snuff, finished third, but the starter reported to the stewards that there had been a false start, the stewards ordering the race to be run again. Snuff, one of only three who lined up again, understandably refused.
Thomas rode for the last time in England at the Hambledon Hunt meeting on May 8, 1924, in a race that was run twice. In the Hambledon Hurdle his mount, Snuff, finished third, but the starter reported to the stewards that there had been a false start, the stewards ordering the race to be run again. Snuff, one of only three who lined up again, understandably refused.
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Thomas Lyons’ English winners were, in chronological order:
Thomas Lyons’ English winners were, in chronological order:
1. Little Lady, Derby, December 18, 1912
1. Little Lady, Derby, December 18, 1912
2. Double Cross, Manchester, January 1, 1913
2. Double Cross, Manchester, January 1, 1913
3. Seedcake, Derby, February 4, 1913
3. Seedcake, Derby, February 4, 1913
4. Seedcake, Market Rasen, March 24, 1913
4. Seedcake, Market Rasen, March 24, 1913
5. Wotopes, Cartmel, May 16, 1921
5. Wotopes, Cartmel, May 16, 1921
6. Mascagni, Nottingham, December 12, 1921
6. Mascagni, Nottingham, December 12, 1921
7. Wise Folly, Windsor, December 15, 1921
7. Wise Folly, Windsor, December 15, 1921
First win: Little Lady, Derby, December 18, 1912
First win: Little Lady, Derby, December 18, 1912
Final win: Wise Folly, Windsor, December 15, 1921
Final win: Wise Folly, Windsor, December 15, 1921