Samuel Mann
1796 - 1864
1796 - 1864
Lightweight jockey Sam Mann, born at Beccles, Suffolk, won the 1844 Derby on the four-year-old ringer, Running Rein. Sam, knowing nothing of the deception, was only given the ride just before the race, much to the chagrin of William Boyce, who wept bitterly when put on Ashtead Pet instead.
Lightweight jockey Sam Mann, born at Beccles, Suffolk, won the 1844 Derby on the four-year-old ringer, Running Rein. Sam, knowing nothing of the deception, was only given the ride just before the race, much to the chagrin of William Boyce, who wept bitterly when put on Ashtead Pet instead.
It was usually Sam's lot in the classics to make the running on the stable's second string before falling back; he thought he'd 'cracked it' (his words) when Running Rein strode first past the post, but the instantaneous objection put an end to any self-congratulation. Then came a second blow - Sam had been promised £500 if he won: he was told to forget it.
It was usually Sam's lot in the classics to make the running on the stable's second string before falling back; he thought he'd 'cracked it' (his words) when Running Rein strode first past the post, but the instantaneous objection put an end to any self-congratulation. Then came a second blow - Sam had been promised £500 if he won: he was told to forget it.
Sam flourished in an era when jockeys, before riding breeches and boots became the fashion, still rode in frocks and trousers. His contemporaries were the likes of Christopher Sly (The Vicar), the dandy Arthur Pavis, the sedate Nat Flatman and the brilliant Jem Chapple, usually on something of Isaac Sadler's.
Sam flourished in an era when jockeys, before riding breeches and boots became the fashion, still rode in frocks and trousers. His contemporaries were the likes of Christopher Sly (The Vicar), the dandy Arthur Pavis, the sedate Nat Flatman and the brilliant Jem Chapple, usually on something of Isaac Sadler's.
For many years he rode as third jockey (behind Patrick Conolly and Sam Darling) to Lord Exeter.
For many years he rode as third jockey (behind Patrick Conolly and Sam Darling) to Lord Exeter.
He was the rider of the famous 'match mare', Celia: together they beat Oakley and Garry Owen among others, but always gave best to the formidable Jem Robinson when that jockey opposed him on the Duke of Bedford's horses.
He was the rider of the famous 'match mare', Celia: together they beat Oakley and Garry Owen among others, but always gave best to the formidable Jem Robinson when that jockey opposed him on the Duke of Bedford's horses.
Sam eventually settled at Ascot where, succeeding the late Arthur Pavis, he rode for H. Scott.
Sam eventually settled at Ascot where, succeeding the late Arthur Pavis, he rode for H. Scott.
He was able to watch his son, Jem, win the nearby Runnymede Guineas on Winkfield, unexpectedly beating Rataplan.
He was able to watch his son, Jem, win the nearby Runnymede Guineas on Winkfield, unexpectedly beating Rataplan.
Sam's biggest wins included Evenus (Royal Hunt Cup, 1845), War Eagle (Doncaster Cup, 1847) & Celia (Coronation Stakes, 1842)
Sam's biggest wins included Evenus (Royal Hunt Cup, 1845), War Eagle (Doncaster Cup, 1847) & Celia (Coronation Stakes, 1842)
He also won the 1847 Ascot Stakes on Wood Pigeon for Lord Exeter.
He also won the 1847 Ascot Stakes on Wood Pigeon for Lord Exeter.
Beyond the assistance from his son and receiving an annual allowance from the Bentinck Fund, Sam died on October 16th , 1864, aged 68, leaving under £300.
Beyond the assistance from his son and receiving an annual allowance from the Bentinck Fund, Sam died on October 16th , 1864, aged 68, leaving under £300.
He had two jockey sons, James (who rode for Lord Stamford) & George (who rode on the continent).
He had two jockey sons, James (who rode for Lord Stamford) & George (who rode on the continent).
They were both born at Ascot. Father and sons are all buried at Newmarket.
They were both born at Ascot. Father and sons are all buried at Newmarket.