J. H. Martin
1875 – 1944
John Henry Martin - better known in America as Harry Martin and, to his friends, as 'Skeets' - was born at Titusville, Pa, on 25 January 1875.
In 1890, his family relocated to Santa Clara, and, aged fifteen, he entered the services of trainer Mr Appleby who had a long string of racehorses in training in California. In 1896 he rode his first winner (*La Mascota 100/1) and it was here that he acquired his nickname because he looked like a tiny mosquito when riding. He quickly established himself as as top class youngster, and it was not long before Mr David Gideon, a well-known owner on the New York courses, recognised his abilities and persuaded him to put in an appearnce on the Eastern tracks.
There he displayed the same skill and reliability that had won him fame and promotion in California, and he soon became one of the most popular figures on the New York Turf. In 1897, from 1,257 mounts, he rode 269 winners and came second on 242 other occassions.
It was not to last.
He and fellow jockey Tod Sloan both rode for George G. Smith, a notorious gambler (who went by the name of Pittsburgh Phil). Sloan was the better rider and Martin often finished up on his less successful runners. In 1899, Martin was contracted to ride for John Daly and did so with considerable success, but perverse rumours of him having thrown some races began to circulate and his career in the U.S was over. He had ridden 269 winners out of 1,257 rides.
On the advice of Tod Sloan, he headed to England.
