John Reid
John Andrew Reid, a farmer's eldest son from Dromore in Co. Down, was born on August 6, 1955, and was so good with his hands at woodwork that he originally wanted to be a joiner.
John Andrew Reid, a farmer's eldest son from Dromore in Co. Down, was born on August 6, 1955, and was so good with his hands at woodwork that he originally wanted to be a joiner.
Instead, small and light, he became an accomplished young horseman riding his sister's and his own ponies; this encouraged him, instead, to consider a career as a jockey.
Instead, small and light, he became an accomplished young horseman riding his sister's and his own ponies; this encouraged him, instead, to consider a career as a jockey.
He was shrewd enough to realize that opportunities were far more plentiful in England, and was soon knocking on the door of Major Verley Bewicke's Didcot training stables on the Oxfordshire/Berkshire border.
He was shrewd enough to realize that opportunities were far more plentiful in England, and was soon knocking on the door of Major Verley Bewicke's Didcot training stables on the Oxfordshire/Berkshire border.
Bewicke was, then, an experienced and successful jumping trainer who, John knew, was steadily increasing his interests on the level. John had also been correctly informed that the Major was a better teacher of young jockeys than many of his flat rivals.
Bewicke was, then, an experienced and successful jumping trainer who, John knew, was steadily increasing his interests on the level. John had also been correctly informed that the Major was a better teacher of young jockeys than many of his flat rivals.
And so it proved to be. John was having only his third ride in public when he won the Cucumber Stakes at Goodwood on 16 May 1973 on a filly called Eyry (10/1). This was the horse on which gave John his first race in public in April that year.
And so it proved to be. John was having only his third ride in public when he won the Cucumber Stakes at Goodwood on 16 May 1973 on a filly called Eyry (10/1). This was the horse on which gave John his first race in public in April that year.
In this, his first season, he rode a total of three winners.
In this, his first season, he rode a total of three winners.
When, four years later, John rode his 75th winner and consequently lost his allowance, he approached the Major about their neighbour, Fulke Johnson-Houghton, who sent out horses from Woodway, whose training stables were perched on the side of a hill above the village of Blewbury.
When, four years later, John rode his 75th winner and consequently lost his allowance, he approached the Major about their neighbour, Fulke Johnson-Houghton, who sent out horses from Woodway, whose training stables were perched on the side of a hill above the village of Blewbury.
Frank Morby, who rode for the stable, had decided to leave; on hearing this, John, looking for extra rides, asked the Major to telephone Fulke on his behalf.
Frank Morby, who rode for the stable, had decided to leave; on hearing this, John, looking for extra rides, asked the Major to telephone Fulke on his behalf.
A trial run proved highly satisfactory: Fulke decided that Lester Piggott and Willie Carson would ride some of his horses but that John would have the rest.
A trial run proved highly satisfactory: Fulke decided that Lester Piggott and Willie Carson would ride some of his horses but that John would have the rest.
John's final winning total for 1977 was 33. It was at the backend of this season that John first rode Ile de Bourbon in public. The young horse, weak and immature, floundered on the soft ground.
John's final winning total for 1977 was 33. It was at the backend of this season that John first rode Ile de Bourbon in public. The young horse, weak and immature, floundered on the soft ground.
Lester rode the horse on its first two outings of 1978. On One Thousand Guineas Day, May 4, they were beaten a short head by Shirley Heights after a particularly gruelling race. Next, they finished second to the Queen's English Harbour at Goodwood and it was here that Lester made a rare mistake, deciding that the horse was no good.
Lester rode the horse on its first two outings of 1978. On One Thousand Guineas Day, May 4, they were beaten a short head by Shirley Heights after a particularly gruelling race. Next, they finished second to the Queen's English Harbour at Goodwood and it was here that Lester made a rare mistake, deciding that the horse was no good.
The colt's third race was the mile and a half King Edward Vll Stakes at Royal Ascot, and, with Lester (Stradavinsky) and Willie (Admiral's Launch) both claimed, John stepped up for the ride. Ile de Bourbon won by an easy two and a half lengths from a frustrated Lester.
The colt's third race was the mile and a half King Edward Vll Stakes at Royal Ascot, and, with Lester (Stradavinsky) and Willie (Admiral's Launch) both claimed, John stepped up for the ride. Ile de Bourbon won by an easy two and a half lengths from a frustrated Lester.
It was then decided that the colt should go for the big one over the same course and distance, the King George Vl and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes the next month, and that John should keep the ride. The value of the race was £98,120.
It was then decided that the colt should go for the big one over the same course and distance, the King George Vl and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes the next month, and that John should keep the ride. The value of the race was £98,120.
It should be remembered that, up to then, John biggest success, apart from the King Edward Vll, had been in a £6,000 handicap!
It should be remembered that, up to then, John biggest success, apart from the King Edward Vll, had been in a £6,000 handicap!
Fulke watched the race with his wife from the trainers' stand, and saw Ile de Boubon sweep into the lead after entering the straight and run on strongly to beat Acamas (Yves Saint Martin) and Hawaiian Sound.
Fulke watched the race with his wife from the trainers' stand, and saw Ile de Boubon sweep into the lead after entering the straight and run on strongly to beat Acamas (Yves Saint Martin) and Hawaiian Sound.
The young jockey had arrived.
The young jockey had arrived.
A virus crippled the stable in 1978; Ile de Boubon, thankfully, escaped it and spreadeagled the field in that year's Coronation Cup at Epsom.
A virus crippled the stable in 1978; Ile de Boubon, thankfully, escaped it and spreadeagled the field in that year's Coronation Cup at Epsom.
John went on to ride a second King George Vl winner in 1997 on Swain, but the highlight of his career came when winning the Derby on Dr Devious in 1992.
John went on to ride a second King George Vl winner in 1997 on Swain, but the highlight of his career came when winning the Derby on Dr Devious in 1992.
Other big race wins came on Tony Bin (1988 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe), Las Meninas (1994 One Thousand Guineas) and Nedawi (1998 St Leger).
Other big race wins came on Tony Bin (1988 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe), Las Meninas (1994 One Thousand Guineas) and Nedawi (1998 St Leger).
John suffered a heavy fall at Kempton in 1999.
John suffered a heavy fall at Kempton in 1999.
In May 2001, John was enduring one of the worst runs of his career. Keen to rebut racecourse gossip that he was soon to retire he said: 'It's been difficult and I have got quite frustrated by it but you can't do anything without the horses. I've frequently looked at my rides at the start of a day and known I have no realistic chance of a winner. I'm not used to that, but I have no plans to stop just yet - after all, I'm four years younger than Pat Eddery.'
In May 2001, John was enduring one of the worst runs of his career. Keen to rebut racecourse gossip that he was soon to retire he said: 'It's been difficult and I have got quite frustrated by it but you can't do anything without the horses. I've frequently looked at my rides at the start of a day and known I have no realistic chance of a winner. I'm not used to that, but I have no plans to stop just yet - after all, I'm four years younger than Pat Eddery.'
Four months later, on September 28, 2001, racecourse gossip proved to be correct - John hung up his saddle.
Four months later, on September 28, 2001, racecourse gossip proved to be correct - John hung up his saddle.
He had ridden 1,937 winners in Britain and had won 48 international Group One races.
He had ridden 1,937 winners in Britain and had won 48 international Group One races.
In 1997, John was awarded an MBE for his services to racing.
In 1997, John was awarded an MBE for his services to racing.
Classic winners:
Classic winners:
Derby: Dr Devious (1992)
Derby: Dr Devious (1992)
One Thousand Guineas: On The House (1982), Las Meninas (1994)
One Thousand Guineas: On The House (1982), Las Meninas (1994)
St Leger: Nedawi (1998)
St Leger: Nedawi (1998)
Other big winners:
Other big winners:
1974: Lanark Silver Bell – Maximilian
1974: Lanark Silver Bell – Maximilian
1978: King Edward VII Stakes – Ile De Bourbon
1978: King Edward VII Stakes – Ile De Bourbon
1978: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Ile De Bourbon
1978: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Ile De Bourbon
1978: Geoffrey Freer Stakes – Ile De Bourbon
1978: Geoffrey Freer Stakes – Ile De Bourbon
1979: Coronation Cup – Ile De Bourbon
1979: Coronation Cup – Ile De Bourbon
1979: King’s Stand Stakes – Double Form
1979: King’s Stand Stakes – Double Form
1979: Bessborough Stakes – St Briarvels
1979: Bessborough Stakes – St Briarvels
1979: Old Newton Cup – St Briarvels
1979: Old Newton Cup – St Briarvels
1979: Yorkshire Cup – Pragmatic
1979: Yorkshire Cup – Pragmatic
1979: Cambridgeshire Handicap – Smartset
1979: Cambridgeshire Handicap – Smartset
1980: Sagaro Stakes – Pragmatic
1980: Sagaro Stakes – Pragmatic
1980: Cherry Hinton Stakes - Nasseem
1980: Cherry Hinton Stakes - Nasseem
1982: Sussex Stakes – On The House
1982: Sussex Stakes – On The House
1982: Cornwallis Stakes – Tatibah
1982: Cornwallis Stakes – Tatibah
1983: Geoffrey Freer Stakes – Khairpour
1983: Geoffrey Freer Stakes – Khairpour
1984: Coventry Stakes – Primo Dominie
1984: Coventry Stakes – Primo Dominie
1984: July Stakes – Primo Dominie
1984: July Stakes – Primo Dominie
1984: Richmond Stakes – Primo Dominie
1984: Richmond Stakes – Primo Dominie
1984: Flying Childers Stakes – Prince Sabo
1984: Flying Childers Stakes – Prince Sabo
1985: Palace House Stakes – Prince Sabo
1985: Palace House Stakes – Prince Sabo
1986: Chesham Stakes – Minstrella
1986: Chesham Stakes – Minstrella
1986: Lancashire Oaks – Park Express
1986: Lancashire Oaks – Park Express
1986: Nassau Stakes – Park Express
1986: Nassau Stakes – Park Express
1986: Lowther Stakes – Polonia
1986: Lowther Stakes – Polonia
1986: Cheveley Park Stakes – Minstrella
1986: Cheveley Park Stakes – Minstrella
1987: Lincoln Handicap – Star Of A Gunner
1987: Lincoln Handicap – Star Of A Gunner
1987: Molecomb Stakes – Classic Ruler
1987: Molecomb Stakes – Classic Ruler
1988: Royal Hunt Cup – Governorship
1988: Royal Hunt Cup – Governorship
1988: Queen Mary Stakes – Gloriella
1988: Queen Mary Stakes – Gloriella
1996: Eclipse Stakes – Halling
1996: Eclipse Stakes – Halling
1986: Lowther Stakes – Polonia
1986: Lowther Stakes – Polonia
1989: Cornwallis Stakes – Argentum
1989: Cornwallis Stakes – Argentum
1990: July Cup – Royal Academy
1990: July Cup – Royal Academy
1990: Molecomb Stakes – Poets Cove
1990: Molecomb Stakes – Poets Cove
1990: King George V Stakes – Argentum
1990: King George V Stakes – Argentum
1990: Cheveley Park Stakes – Capricciosa
1990: Cheveley Park Stakes – Capricciosa
1991: Royal Hunt Cup – Eurolink The Lad
1991: Royal Hunt Cup – Eurolink The Lad
1991: Ribblesdale Stakes – Third Watch
1991: Ribblesdale Stakes – Third Watch
1991: Molecomb Stakes – Sahara Star
1991: Molecomb Stakes – Sahara Star
1992: Dee Stakes – My Memories
1992: Dee Stakes – My Memories
1992: Jersey Stakes – Prince Ferdinand
1992: Jersey Stakes – Prince Ferdinand
1992: Richmond Stakes – Son Pardo
1992: Richmond Stakes – Son Pardo
1992: King George V Stakes – Freddie Lloyd
1992: King George V Stakes – Freddie Lloyd
1993: Cheshire Oaks – Abury
1993: Cheshire Oaks – Abury
1993: Lingfield Oaks Trial – Oakmead
1993: Lingfield Oaks Trial – Oakmead
1993: Coventry Stakes – Stonehatch
1993: Coventry Stakes – Stonehatch
1993: Chesham Stakes – State Performer
1993: Chesham Stakes – State Performer
1993: Norfolk Stakes – Turtle Island
1993: Norfolk Stakes – Turtle Island
1994: Hardwicke Stakes – Bobzao
1994: Hardwicke Stakes – Bobzao
1994: Wokingham Stakes – Venture Capitalist
1994: Wokingham Stakes – Venture Capitalist
1994: Nunthorpe Stakes – Piccolo
1994: Nunthorpe Stakes – Piccolo
1995: Hardwicke Stakes – Beauchamp Hero
1995: Hardwicke Stakes – Beauchamp Hero
1995: Old Newton Cup – Lombardic
1995: Old Newton Cup – Lombardic
1995: Champion Stakes – Spectrum
1995: Champion Stakes – Spectrum
1997: Norfolk Stakes – Tippitt Boy
1997: Norfolk Stakes – Tippitt Boy
1997: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Swain
1997: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Swain
1998: Prince of Wales’s Stakes – Faithful Son
1998: Prince of Wales’s Stakes – Faithful Son
1998: King George V Handicap – Double Classic
1998: King George V Handicap – Double Classic
2000: Cambridgeshire Handicap – Katie Nowaitee
2000: Cambridgeshire Handicap – Katie Nowaitee
In Ireland
In Ireland
1986: Phoenix Stakes – Minstrella
1986: Phoenix Stakes – Minstrella
1986: Moyglare Stud Stakes – Minstrella
1986: Moyglare Stud Stakes – Minstrella
1986: Phoenix Champion Stakes – Park Express
1986: Phoenix Champion Stakes – Park Express
1987: Irish Derby – Sir Harry Lewis
1987: Irish Derby – Sir Harry Lewis
1987: Meld Stakes – Three Tails
1987: Meld Stakes – Three Tails
1987: Futurity Stakes – Demon Magic
1987: Futurity Stakes – Demon Magic
1988: Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial – Kris Kringle
1988: Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial – Kris Kringle
1988: Blandford Stakes – Kris Kringle
1988: Blandford Stakes – Kris Kringle
1988: Tetrarch Stakes – Prince of Birds
1988: Tetrarch Stakes – Prince of Birds
1988: National Stakes – Classic Fame
1988: National Stakes – Classic Fame
1988: Beresford Stakes – Classic Fame
1988: Beresford Stakes – Classic Fame
1988: Pretty Polly Stakes – Dark Lomond
1988: Pretty Polly Stakes – Dark Lomond
1988: International Stakes – Caerwent
1988: International Stakes – Caerwent
1989: Tetrarch Stakes – Saratogan
1989: Tetrarch Stakes – Saratogan
1989: Greenlands Stakes – Puissance
1989: Greenlands Stakes – Puissance
1989: Phoenix Sprint Stakes – Point of Light
1989: Phoenix Sprint Stakes – Point of Light
1989: Killavullan Stakes- Endless Joy
1989: Killavullan Stakes- Endless Joy
1989: Park Stakes – Wedding Bouquet
1989: Park Stakes – Wedding Bouquet
1989: Beresford Stakes – Victory Piper
1989: Beresford Stakes – Victory Piper
1990: Gladness Stakes – Great Lakes
1990: Gladness Stakes – Great Lakes
1990: Tetrarch Stakes – Royal Academy
1990: Tetrarch Stakes – Royal Academy
1990: Royal Whip Stakes – Splash of Colour
1990: Royal Whip Stakes – Splash of Colour
1990: Moyglare Stud Stakes – Capricciosa
1990: Moyglare Stud Stakes – Capricciosa
1992: Ballyogan Stakes – Freddie Lloyd
1992: Ballyogan Stakes – Freddie Lloyd
1992: Irish Champion Stakes – Dr Devious
1992: Irish Champion Stakes – Dr Devious
1993: Phoenix Stakes – Turtle Island
1993: Phoenix Stakes – Turtle Island
1994: Irish Two Thousand Guineas – Turtle Island
1994: Irish Two Thousand Guineas – Turtle Island
1995: Irish Two Thousand Guineas – Spectrum
1995: Irish Two Thousand Guineas – Spectrum
1995: Irish Oaks – Pure Grain
1995: Irish Oaks – Pure Grain
1998: Irish St Leger – Kayf Tara
1998: Irish St Leger – Kayf Tara
In France
In France
1988: Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – Tony Bin
1988: Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – Tony Bin
1993: Prix du Cadran – Assessor
1993: Prix du Cadran – Assessor
1995: Criterium de Saint-Cloud – Polaris Flight
1995: Criterium de Saint-Cloud – Polaris Flight
1996: Prix de la Salamandre – Revoque
1996: Prix de la Salamandre – Revoque
1996: Grand Criterium – Revoque
1996: Grand Criterium – Revoque
1997: Prix de l’Abbaye – Carmine Lake
1997: Prix de l’Abbaye – Carmine Lake
1998: Poule d’Essai des Poulains – Victory Note
1998: Poule d’Essai des Poulains – Victory Note
In Germany
In Germany
1992: Grosser Preis von Baden – Mashaallah
1992: Grosser Preis von Baden – Mashaallah
1996: Deutschland Preis – Hollywood Dream
1996: Deutschland Preis – Hollywood Dream
In Italy
In Italy
1981: Premio Lydia Tesio – Oraston
1981: Premio Lydia Tesio – Oraston
1987: Oaks d’Italia – Lady Bentley
1987: Oaks d’Italia – Lady Bentley
1993: Derby Italiano – White Muzzle
1993: Derby Italiano – White Muzzle
1993: Gran Premio d’Italia – Right Win
1993: Gran Premio d’Italia – Right Win
1996: Premio Presidente della Republica – Hollywood Dream
1996: Premio Presidente della Republica – Hollywood Dream
1997: Premio Roma – Taipan
1997: Premio Roma – Taipan
