Fred Sharpe
(1892 - 1960)
(1892 - 1960)
Albert Frederick Sharpe, known mostly as Fred Sharpe, was born on the Isle of Wight in 1892.
Albert Frederick Sharpe, known mostly as Fred Sharpe, was born on the Isle of Wight in 1892.
He was working as a newspaper boy on the streets of Sandown, IOW, when he was spotted by a leading French owner, Henry Ternynck who, on account of the boy’s size, persuaded him to go to France and join his trainer’s yard as a stable lad and apprentice jockey.
He was working as a newspaper boy on the streets of Sandown, IOW, when he was spotted by a leading French owner, Henry Ternynck who, on account of the boy’s size, persuaded him to go to France and join his trainer’s yard as a stable lad and apprentice jockey.
Fred duly became apprenticed to Charles Lynham, brother of Barrington, at Chantilly in 1905.
Fred duly became apprenticed to Charles Lynham, brother of Barrington, at Chantilly in 1905.
After completing his apprenticeship he was appointed first jockey to that stable. He rode with just his toes in the stirrup irons – highly unusual in those days – and became very successful there.
After completing his apprenticeship he was appointed first jockey to that stable. He rode with just his toes in the stirrup irons – highly unusual in those days – and became very successful there.
Though based in France, he made occasional forays to England for the major meetings, winning the 1911 Royal Hunt Cup on Moscato.
Though based in France, he made occasional forays to England for the major meetings, winning the 1911 Royal Hunt Cup on Moscato.
In 1912 he won the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) on Friant II.
In 1912 he won the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) on Friant II.
He was one of France’s leading jockeys either side of the Great War. His banner year was in 1924 when he won both the Ascot Gold Cup and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Massine.
He was one of France’s leading jockeys either side of the Great War. His banner year was in 1924 when he won both the Ascot Gold Cup and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Massine.
He also won that year’s Prix Vermeille on Isola Bella.
He also won that year’s Prix Vermeille on Isola Bella.
Fred Sharpe died in 1960. He was 68.
Fred Sharpe died in 1960. He was 68.
In April, 1932, Fred married Miss May Sandison at Stranton Church, Hartlepool.
In April, 1932, Fred married Miss May Sandison at Stranton Church, Hartlepool.