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Jack Reeves
Jack Reeves
1917-1939
1917-1939
John Joseph Reeves, always known as Jack, only won three races but did once come close to riding a treble
John Joseph Reeves, always known as Jack, only won three races but did once come close to riding a treble
Born in 1917, he had his first start on Rulo, unplaced in the Snitterfield Hurdle at Stratford on October 3, 1936. It was more than a year before he won a race, finally opening his account at Cheltenham on November 18, 1937, when Cesarion, trained by Ryan Jarvis, beat 22 rivals to land the Gloucester Handicap Hurdle.
Born in 1917, he had his first start on Rulo, unplaced in the Snitterfield Hurdle at Stratford on October 3, 1936. It was more than a year before he won a race, finally opening his account at Cheltenham on November 18, 1937, when Cesarion, trained by Ryan Jarvis, beat 22 rivals to land the Gloucester Handicap Hurdle.
Jack did not keep the ride and it was not until the Whit Monday meeting at Hethersett on June 6, 1938 that he scored again. He began the day by finishing second, beaten only half a length, on Sir Alwin in the Easton Selling Handicap Chase, the 3lb overweight he put up arguably making the difference. Later in the afternoon he won the Cantley Selling Hurdle on Irish Duke, beating Reg Pither’s mount Miss Beach by a length. His third and final ride of the day resulted in another victory on Artesian, beating Pat Kinsella on Lemon Tart by four lengths in the Cringleford Hurdle. Both his winners were trained by William ‘Rip’ Bissill.
Jack did not keep the ride and it was not until the Whit Monday meeting at Hethersett on June 6, 1938 that he scored again. He began the day by finishing second, beaten only half a length, on Sir Alwin in the Easton Selling Handicap Chase, the 3lb overweight he put up arguably making the difference. Later in the afternoon he won the Cantley Selling Hurdle on Irish Duke, beating Reg Pither’s mount Miss Beach by a length. His third and final ride of the day resulted in another victory on Artesian, beating Pat Kinsella on Lemon Tart by four lengths in the Cringleford Hurdle. Both his winners were trained by William ‘Rip’ Bissill.
Jack had his final ride at Folkestone on May 4, 1939, when Cyllagrette finished second, beaten ten lengths, by Phileas in the Canterbury Selling Handicap Hurdle.
Jack had his final ride at Folkestone on May 4, 1939, when Cyllagrette finished second, beaten ten lengths, by Phileas in the Canterbury Selling Handicap Hurdle.
By then, Jack Reeves was already a dying man. Just 21 years old, he had been seriously ill for some time. He had made his home with Mr Herbert Fawcett, of Norton, to whose daughter, Marion, he was engaged.
By then, Jack Reeves was already a dying man. Just 21 years old, he had been seriously ill for some time. He had made his home with Mr Herbert Fawcett, of Norton, to whose daughter, Marion, he was engaged.
When the doctors gave up hope of his recovery, the couple decided to marry at once and approached a Catholic priest. Sadly, John died at his home at Maroy Villa, Beverley Road, Norton, on Friday, July 21, 1939, before the ceremony took place.
When the doctors gave up hope of his recovery, the couple decided to marry at once and approached a Catholic priest. Sadly, John died at his home at Maroy Villa, Beverley Road, Norton, on Friday, July 21, 1939, before the ceremony took place.
Collections at recent race meetings had been made for him. He left £256 16s 1d.
Collections at recent race meetings had been made for him. He left £256 16s 1d.
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