John McElroy
John McElroy
John McElroy
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
John McElroy’s career over jumps did not start well, his mount Barghest being one of two fallers in the Minehead Chase at Taunton on November 27, 1945.
John McElroy’s career over jumps did not start well, his mount Barghest being one of two fallers in the Minehead Chase at Taunton on November 27, 1945.
However, he persevered and finally registered his only victory at Newton Abbot on August 27, 1947, when Cameraman III won the Novices’ Chase. Trained by Captain Ryan Price, the eight-year-old had fallen on his last three starts the previous season, but with John in the saddle for the first time, the gelding managed a clear round and beat Waistcoat, the mount of Andrew Jarvis, by two lengths.
However, he persevered and finally registered his only victory at Newton Abbot on August 27, 1947, when Cameraman III won the Novices’ Chase. Trained by Captain Ryan Price, the eight-year-old had fallen on his last three starts the previous season, but with John in the saddle for the first time, the gelding managed a clear round and beat Waistcoat, the mount of Andrew Jarvis, by two lengths.
John rode Cameraman III four times in the next three weeks, and although they managed one second place, they fell on the three other occasions. All things considered, there did appear to be safer conveyances than Cameraman III, who had now fallen in six of his last eight starts.
John rode Cameraman III four times in the next three weeks, and although they managed one second place, they fell on the three other occasions. All things considered, there did appear to be safer conveyances than Cameraman III, who had now fallen in six of his last eight starts.
After an absence, Cameraman III came back reinvented as a hurdler and won two races ridden by Tim Vinall.
After an absence, Cameraman III came back reinvented as a hurdler and won two races ridden by Tim Vinall.
As for John McElroy, he had no further success. His final ride was on First Time, a faller in the Ogwell Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2) back at Newton Abbot on May 8, 1948. That may have been one fall too many for him, as he did not renew his licence the following season.
As for John McElroy, he had no further success. His final ride was on First Time, a faller in the Ogwell Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2) back at Newton Abbot on May 8, 1948. That may have been one fall too many for him, as he did not renew his licence the following season.
John McElroy's only win came on Cameraman lll on August 27, 1947 at Newton Abbot
John McElroy's only win came on Cameraman lll on August 27, 1947 at Newton Abbot