James Owens
James Owens
James Owens
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
Born in 1875, James Owens was an American jump jockey who made two visits to England, five years apart, and had one winner each time.
Born in 1875, James Owens was an American jump jockey who made two visits to England, five years apart, and had one winner each time.
He came first in 1901 and had his initial ride on Lord Winslow, who failed to complete the course in the Holmes Chase at the Sheffield & Rotherham meeting on March 18, 1901. Two days later he had his first success on English soil when Lupella won the Stoneygate Handicap Hurdle at Leicester, scoring by a length and a half from Corraline, ridden by former champion jockey George Williamson. ‘The Sportsman’ newspaper commented that James “rode somewhat short, and yet always had his mount in hand”.
He came first in 1901 and had his initial ride on Lord Winslow, who failed to complete the course in the Holmes Chase at the Sheffield & Rotherham meeting on March 18, 1901. Two days later he had his first success on English soil when Lupella won the Stoneygate Handicap Hurdle at Leicester, scoring by a length and a half from Corraline, ridden by former champion jockey George Williamson. ‘The Sportsman’ newspaper commented that James “rode somewhat short, and yet always had his mount in hand”.
After a few more rides, James departed and did not return until 1906. He appears to have had just four rides, all on the seven-year-old Phil May, culminating in an attempt at the Grand National.
After a few more rides, James departed and did not return until 1906. He appears to have had just four rides, all on the seven-year-old Phil May, culminating in an attempt at the Grand National.
Phil May had been a faller in the 1905 Grand National. James rode him for the first time at Gatwick on February 1, 1906 in the Stewards’ Chase but their participation ended with a fall. They fared little better on their second outing together when a tailed off last of three in the Leamington Grand Annual Handicap Chase at Warwick three weeks later.
Phil May had been a faller in the 1905 Grand National. James rode him for the first time at Gatwick on February 1, 1906 in the Stewards’ Chase but their participation ended with a fall. They fared little better on their second outing together when a tailed off last of three in the Leamington Grand Annual Handicap Chase at Warwick three weeks later.
However, next time out at Kempton Park on March 17 Phil May took the lead more than a mile from home and comfortably won the Spring Handicap Chase by six lengths from Aunt May, the mount of talented amateur rider and future successful trainer Atty Persse.
However, next time out at Kempton Park on March 17 Phil May took the lead more than a mile from home and comfortably won the Spring Handicap Chase by six lengths from Aunt May, the mount of talented amateur rider and future successful trainer Atty Persse.
Then it was on to Liverpool for the 1906 Grand National. Phil May and James made a good showing, leading for much of the first circuit. They were still in fourth place, albeit well beaten, when coming back onto the racecourse with two fences left to jump. Phil May fell at the final one but was remounted to come home last of the nine finishers. Aunt May, second behind Phil May on their previous encounter, fared better, finishing third, 12 lengths behind the winner Ascetic’s Silver.
Then it was on to Liverpool for the 1906 Grand National. Phil May and James made a good showing, leading for much of the first circuit. They were still in fourth place, albeit well beaten, when coming back onto the racecourse with two fences left to jump. Phil May fell at the final one but was remounted to come home last of the nine finishers. Aunt May, second behind Phil May on their previous encounter, fared better, finishing third, 12 lengths behind the winner Ascetic’s Silver.
That was James Owens’ last ride in England. He presumably returned to America and continued his career there.
That was James Owens’ last ride in England. He presumably returned to America and continued his career there.
James's win on Phil May at Kempton, March 17 1906