Tom Lemon
Tom Lemon
Tom Lemon
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
Thomas Henry Lemon rode two winners under National Hunt rules, both at Southwell, more than 17 years apart.
Thomas Henry Lemon rode two winners under National Hunt rules, both at Southwell, more than 17 years apart.
He finished second on his first ride when Agricola was beaten five lengths by G.T., the mount of top amateur Harry Atherton Brown, in the Thurgarton Selling Handicap Chase at Southwell on May 26, 1928. It was at the same course on the same horse on September 3 of that year that he had his first win when Agricola beat five rivals to claim the Ollerton Handicap Chase by three lengths from Kilbairn. The 10-year-old was finally gaining some reward for a consistent, if unsuccessful campaign the previous season, when placed seven times from 17 starts.
He finished second on his first ride when Agricola was beaten five lengths by G.T., the mount of top amateur Harry Atherton Brown, in the Thurgarton Selling Handicap Chase at Southwell on May 26, 1928. It was at the same course on the same horse on September 3 of that year that he had his first win when Agricola beat five rivals to claim the Ollerton Handicap Chase by three lengths from Kilbairn. The 10-year-old was finally gaining some reward for a consistent, if unsuccessful campaign the previous season, when placed seven times from 17 starts.
After holding a licence until the 1931/32 season, Tom left the scene. However, he returned after the war and won his second race, again at Southwell, when 20-1 outsider Poetic Licence landed the Edingley Novices’ Chase on December 29, 1945, beating Predicament by 12 lengths. The 11-year-old Poetic Licence was winning his first race since March 1940, but of course there had been no jump racing in Britain for part of that time.
After holding a licence until the 1931/32 season, Tom left the scene. However, he returned after the war and won his second race, again at Southwell, when 20-1 outsider Poetic Licence landed the Edingley Novices’ Chase on December 29, 1945, beating Predicament by 12 lengths. The 11-year-old Poetic Licence was winning his first race since March 1940, but of course there had been no jump racing in Britain for part of that time.
Alas, one second place was the best that Tom and Poetic Licence could muster from six subsequent starts, and he relinquished his licence during the 1949/50 season.
Alas, one second place was the best that Tom and Poetic Licence could muster from six subsequent starts, and he relinquished his licence during the 1949/50 season.
Agricola, Tom's first winner
Poetic Licence, Tom's second & final winner