George McCall
George McCall
George McCall
1881 - 1948
1881 - 1948
George Alexander McCall was born in Edinburgh on 30 May, 1881 and became apprenticed to his father John. He rode his first winner in 1898.
George Alexander McCall was born in Edinburgh on 30 May, 1881 and became apprenticed to his father John. He rode his first winner in 1898.
He was one of the first to adopt the American style of riding, having quickly recognised the effectiveness of jockeys such as Tod Sloan, Lester and Johnny Reiff and Danny Maher.
He was one of the first to adopt the American style of riding, having quickly recognised the effectiveness of jockeys such as Tod Sloan, Lester and Johnny Reiff and Danny Maher.
In 1901, George finished third in the list of winning jockeys with 91 winners (behind Otto Madden and Danny Maher), including five in a day (four outright, one dead heat) at Beverley on 31 October.
In 1901, George finished third in the list of winning jockeys with 91 winners (behind Otto Madden and Danny Maher), including five in a day (four outright, one dead heat) at Beverley on 31 October.
In 1902 he won both the Lincolnshire Handicap on St Maclou and the Ayr Gold Cup on Lovetin. He finished second on Rising Glass to Ard Patrick in that year’s Derby and, riding Glass Jug, was runner-up to Sceptre in the Oaks two days later.
In 1902 he won both the Lincolnshire Handicap on St Maclou and the Ayr Gold Cup on Lovetin. He finished second on Rising Glass to Ard Patrick in that year’s Derby and, riding Glass Jug, was runner-up to Sceptre in the Oaks two days later.
He also won the 1904 Royal Hunt Cup on Csardas and achieved his greatest triumph in the 1905 1,000 Guineas on Cherry Lass.
He also won the 1904 Royal Hunt Cup on Csardas and achieved his greatest triumph in the 1905 1,000 Guineas on Cherry Lass.
Although he had enjoyed Classic race success, he always considered the highlight of his career was beating Sceptre in the 1902 Lincolnshire Handicap.
Although he had enjoyed Classic race success, he always considered the highlight of his career was beating Sceptre in the 1902 Lincolnshire Handicap.
George McCall died at Dunbar at 11.15 p.m. on 30 April, 1948, aged 66.
George McCall died at Dunbar at 11.15 p.m. on 30 April, 1948, aged 66.
His brother, John Jnr., was also a jockey.
His brother, John Jnr., was also a jockey.
George rode five winners at Beverley on 31 October 1901
George rode five winners at Beverley on 31 October 1901
1904
1904