James O’Hanlon
Article by Alan Trout
James O’Hanlon never had more than around 20 mounts in a season but did manage to ride three winners. He was a conditional jockey with Tom Bill and had his first ride at Hexham on October 22, 1986 when Galtrim finished sixth of twelve in the Sunniside Conditional Jockeys’ Selling Handicap Hurdle. He kept the ride but the best they managed in their next seven starts together was one third place.
James O’Hanlon never had more than around 20 mounts in a season but did manage to ride three winners. He was a conditional jockey with Tom Bill and had his first ride at Hexham on October 22, 1986 when Galtrim finished sixth of twelve in the Sunniside Conditional Jockeys’ Selling Handicap Hurdle. He kept the ride but the best they managed in their next seven starts together was one third place.
However, at Uttoxeter on Easter Monday, April 20, 1987, they at last came good, taking the lead at the last fence and landing the Chesterfield Selling Handicap Chase by three lengths.
However, at Uttoxeter on Easter Monday, April 20, 1987, they at last came good, taking the lead at the last fence and landing the Chesterfield Selling Handicap Chase by three lengths.
Despite that success, James did not win another race for nearly four years. The drought finally ended at Doncaster on February 25, 1991 when Burmese Ruby proved too good for eleven rivals in the E.B.F. N.H. Flat Race (Division 2), scoring by three lengths.
Despite that success, James did not win another race for nearly four years. The drought finally ended at Doncaster on February 25, 1991 when Burmese Ruby proved too good for eleven rivals in the E.B.F. N.H. Flat Race (Division 2), scoring by three lengths.
Burmese Ruby’s connections aimed much higher next time out, with James having to settle for tenth place in the Seagram Champion N.H. Flat Race on the Friday of Aintree’s Grand National meeting.
Burmese Ruby’s connections aimed much higher next time out, with James having to settle for tenth place in the Seagram Champion N.H. Flat Race on the Friday of Aintree’s Grand National meeting.
He had a third and final victory at Market Rasen on February 29, 1992, when Ard T’Match, owned and trained by Tony Forbes, landed the valuable Victor Lucas Memorial Novices’ Hurdle by two lengths. It was the first time he had ridden the seven-year-old. They managed one third place in two subsequent outings.
He had a third and final victory at Market Rasen on February 29, 1992, when Ard T’Match, owned and trained by Tony Forbes, landed the valuable Victor Lucas Memorial Novices’ Hurdle by two lengths. It was the first time he had ridden the seven-year-old. They managed one third place in two subsequent outings.
