James McCarthy
James McCarthy
James McCarthy
James McCarthy had already ridden at least ten winners in his native Ireland, including Mon Capitaine in the Solohead Maiden Hurdle at Limerick Junction (known today as Tipperary) on April 25, 1957, before crossing the Irish Sea to ride in England.
James McCarthy had already ridden at least ten winners in his native Ireland, including Mon Capitaine in the Solohead Maiden Hurdle at Limerick Junction (known today as Tipperary) on April 25, 1957, before crossing the Irish Sea to ride in England.
His first British ride was on Trimsleigh, unplaced in the Avon Selling Handicap Hurdle at Newton Abbot on August 15, 1958. He opened his account by dead heating on Pilot’s Orchid in the Luddington Handicap Chase at Stratford on October 2, with the eight-year-old being joined on the line by Johnny Kenneally’s mount Red Holly.
His first British ride was on Trimsleigh, unplaced in the Avon Selling Handicap Hurdle at Newton Abbot on August 15, 1958. He opened his account by dead heating on Pilot’s Orchid in the Luddington Handicap Chase at Stratford on October 2, with the eight-year-old being joined on the line by Johnny Kenneally’s mount Red Holly.
After the dead heat, James and Pilot’s Orchid finished second at Chepstow on October 25, then went to Liverpool on November 8 for the Grand Sefton Chase where they fell at the water. That was James’s only ride over the Grand National fences.
After the dead heat, James and Pilot’s Orchid finished second at Chepstow on October 25, then went to Liverpool on November 8 for the Grand Sefton Chase where they fell at the water. That was James’s only ride over the Grand National fences.
He did not ride a winner the following season and headed back to Ireland to continue his career. However, he returned in 1962 and, back at Stratford on November 8, rode French Champagne to win the Banbury Novices’ Chase, this time beating John Kenneally, riding King Of Diamonds, by two lengths. That was James’s 15th winner and resulted in his claim being reduced from 5lb to 3lb.
He did not ride a winner the following season and headed back to Ireland to continue his career. However, he returned in 1962 and, back at Stratford on November 8, rode French Champagne to win the Banbury Novices’ Chase, this time beating John Kenneally, riding King Of Diamonds, by two lengths. That was James’s 15th winner and resulted in his claim being reduced from 5lb to 3lb.
It was not until Easter Monday, April 15, 1963 that he had his final victory when Yellow Bird II, owned and trained like French Champagne by Tom Phipps, won the Shutlanger Novices’ Chase at Towcester by eight lengths.
It was not until Easter Monday, April 15, 1963 that he had his final victory when Yellow Bird II, owned and trained like French Champagne by Tom Phipps, won the Shutlanger Novices’ Chase at Towcester by eight lengths.
Despite more than 50 rides that season, James was unable to add to his total. He rode for the last time in England when finishing 11th of 13 finishers in the Loughton Handicap Hurdle (Division 1) at Towcester on May 11, 1963.
Despite more than 50 rides that season, James was unable to add to his total. He rode for the last time in England when finishing 11th of 13 finishers in the Loughton Handicap Hurdle (Division 1) at Towcester on May 11, 1963.
Yellow Bird ll, James's final winner
Yellow Bird ll, James's final winner