Jem Mason
1816 - 1866
1816 - 1866
Jem Mason, the rider of Lottery, the first ever Grand National winner on February 26, 1839 (he made every yard of the running), was born in Stilton, Huntingdonshire in1816, and taught to ride by his father, a horse breeder. Jem had perfect balance and rarely fell off a horse.
Jem Mason, the rider of Lottery, the first ever Grand National winner on February 26, 1839 (he made every yard of the running), was born in Stilton, Huntingdonshire in1816, and taught to ride by his father, a horse breeder. Jem had perfect balance and rarely fell off a horse.
He was a dandy - he always rode in white gloves, and a Savile Row tailor made his clothes for free. His boots and coats were made in London by Bentley's of Oxford Street and by Wren's of Knightsbridge.
He was a dandy - he always rode in white gloves, and a Savile Row tailor made his clothes for free. His boots and coats were made in London by Bentley's of Oxford Street and by Wren's of Knightsbridge.
Interestingly, Lottery could not stand the sight of Jem: consequently, in order to mount, the jockey had to resort to the subterfuge of wearing a coat over his racing colours until safely in the saddle.
Interestingly, Lottery could not stand the sight of Jem: consequently, in order to mount, the jockey had to resort to the subterfuge of wearing a coat over his racing colours until safely in the saddle.
Jem is first mentioned in the racing press on Thursday March 4, 1836 when finishing third on Prospero behind Red Deer and Grimaldi (ridden by the immortalised Captain Becher) in the St Alban's Steeplechase.
Jem is first mentioned in the racing press on Thursday March 4, 1836 when finishing third on Prospero behind Red Deer and Grimaldi (ridden by the immortalised Captain Becher) in the St Alban's Steeplechase.
Jem Masom married twice: the first time to the daughter of John Elmore, in whose light blue jacket, black cap colours he had won the National on Lottery.
Jem Masom married twice: the first time to the daughter of John Elmore, in whose light blue jacket, black cap colours he had won the National on Lottery.
His first authenticated win came on Jerry (8/1) in the 13-runner Leamington Steeplechase on Tuesday, March 14, 1837. He had to survive an objection from a Mr Angerstein for taking the wrong course.
His first authenticated win came on Jerry (8/1) in the 13-runner Leamington Steeplechase on Tuesday, March 14, 1837. He had to survive an objection from a Mr Angerstein for taking the wrong course.
A lath-like, elegant figure with piercing black eyes, what struck people about Jem Mason was the complete lack of fuss or effort. He did the right thing instantly by intuition.
A lath-like, elegant figure with piercing black eyes, what struck people about Jem Mason was the complete lack of fuss or effort. He did the right thing instantly by intuition.
His last race ever was at Hendon and, riding for a lark more than anything, he did not bother to take the cigar out of his mouth.
His last race ever was at Hendon and, riding for a lark more than anything, he did not bother to take the cigar out of his mouth.
He died on October 23, 1866, of throat cancer not long after his 50th birthday, on the evening of Cesarewitch day at his residence, Clarendon-place, St John's Wood, London. He left a widow and one child but few provisions for their future.
He died on October 23, 1866, of throat cancer not long after his 50th birthday, on the evening of Cesarewitch day at his residence, Clarendon-place, St John's Wood, London. He left a widow and one child but few provisions for their future.
He was so popular that Tattersalls got up a public subscription to take care of his family.
He was so popular that Tattersalls got up a public subscription to take care of his family.
Lottery and Jerry were both purchased at Horncastle, and for the same price; 180 guineas.
Lottery and Jerry were both purchased at Horncastle, and for the same price; 180 guineas.
