James Morrissey
1935 - 1996
1935 - 1996
Born in Ireland on November 7, 1935, James Anthony Morrissey was apprenticed to Dan Kirwan and rode his first winner, Eleanor M, at Gowran Park, January 19, 1956.
Born in Ireland on November 7, 1935, James Anthony Morrissey was apprenticed to Dan Kirwan and rode his first winner, Eleanor M, at Gowran Park, January 19, 1956.
Jim had followed his two brothers Pat (died 1991) and Mick (died 2001) into a career as a jockey.
Jim had followed his two brothers Pat (died 1991) and Mick (died 2001) into a career as a jockey.
He had a few rides on the Flat without success and soon turned his attention to jumping.
He had a few rides on the Flat without success and soon turned his attention to jumping.
He rode 24 winners in Ireland, including 4 victories on Nicolaus Silver, before coming to England in 1960 after the death of of Dan Kirwan.
He rode 24 winners in Ireland, including 4 victories on Nicolaus Silver, before coming to England in 1960 after the death of of Dan Kirwan.
Jim's career was ended with a fall from Cheeky Charlie at Bangor on April 12, 1969. He fractured his skull and was unconscious for nearly two weeks. He also lost his sense of taste and smell.
Jim's career was ended with a fall from Cheeky Charlie at Bangor on April 12, 1969. He fractured his skull and was unconscious for nearly two weeks. He also lost his sense of taste and smell.
He afterwards trained for a short while.
He afterwards trained for a short while.
His best win came on Man of the East in the Henry Vlll Chase in 1964.
His best win came on Man of the East in the Henry Vlll Chase in 1964.
Jim died in Shropshire on February 26, 1996, aged 60.
Jim died in Shropshire on February 26, 1996, aged 60.
25 January 1964. Jimmy Morrissey jumps the last fence on Phebu to win the Royal Mail Handicap Chase at Kempton Park.
25 January 1964. Jimmy Morrissey jumps the last fence on Phebu to win the Royal Mail Handicap Chase at Kempton Park.
Newland Handicap Chase, Navan, 5 March 1960. The grey Nicolaus Silver (J. Morrissey) jumps alongside Uncle Whiskers (E. McKenzie). Nicolaus Silver went on to win by a short head.
Newland Handicap Chase, Navan, 5 March 1960. The grey Nicolaus Silver (J. Morrissey) jumps alongside Uncle Whiskers (E. McKenzie). Nicolaus Silver went on to win by a short head.
