Jeremy Speid-Soote
1941 - 2021
1941 - 2021
When Jeremy Rowley Speid-Soote rode Ianto into the Windsor Winners' Enclosure on Friday, November 20, 1964, he was celebrating his first win as a professional.
When Jeremy Rowley Speid-Soote rode Ianto into the Windsor Winners' Enclosure on Friday, November 20, 1964, he was celebrating his first win as a professional.
Former Cheltenham winner Ianto was Jeremy's third ride since changing status.
Former Cheltenham winner Ianto was Jeremy's third ride since changing status.
Jeremy followed up that initial win with a victory on the gelding Black Spot at Fontwell five days later. On this occasion, he may have been somewhat lucky: Certain Justice was leading and going easily when coming down at the eighth fence. The William Marshall-trained Black Spot was left clear three out with the Gifford-ridden Trinidad, who was giving Jeremy's mount a stone, in hot pursuit.
Jeremy followed up that initial win with a victory on the gelding Black Spot at Fontwell five days later. On this occasion, he may have been somewhat lucky: Certain Justice was leading and going easily when coming down at the eighth fence. The William Marshall-trained Black Spot was left clear three out with the Gifford-ridden Trinidad, who was giving Jeremy's mount a stone, in hot pursuit.
Black Spot stayed clear to win by six lengths.
Black Spot stayed clear to win by six lengths.
Jeremy, who lived at Delamere House, Folly Road, Lambourn, came from a family of horsemen, his father being a Master of Foxhounds in Devon.
Jeremy, who lived at Delamere House, Folly Road, Lambourn, came from a family of horsemen, his father being a Master of Foxhounds in Devon.
Born on August 6, 1941, Jeremy's first winner was Illusion (11/2) at Doncaster on 10 March, 1964
Born on August 6, 1941, Jeremy's first winner was Illusion (11/2) at Doncaster on 10 March, 1964
The next year he took the occasional ride for T. Finch who sent out horses from his Hapton Hall Stables in Norwich.
The next year he took the occasional ride for T. Finch who sent out horses from his Hapton Hall Stables in Norwich.
Very much a journeyman jockey (his highest seasonal total was 14), he eventually switched to training where he met with equally modest success.
Very much a journeyman jockey (his highest seasonal total was 14), he eventually switched to training where he met with equally modest success.
In 1986, then a stud farmer, he attended an interview at 42, Portman Square, London. He had been invited to apply for the vacant position of Stewards' Secretary.
In 1986, then a stud farmer, he attended an interview at 42, Portman Square, London. He had been invited to apply for the vacant position of Stewards' Secretary.
There were four other applicants: ex-jockey Eddie Hide, Terence Brennan, a former Household Cavalry officer, ex-trainer Tony Gilliam, and a race-day steward at five racecourses under both rules.
There were four other applicants: ex-jockey Eddie Hide, Terence Brennan, a former Household Cavalry officer, ex-trainer Tony Gilliam, and a race-day steward at five racecourses under both rules.
The job went to Terence Brennan.
The job went to Terence Brennan.
On 26 June, 1965, he married Susan Jeffers.
On 26 June, 1965, he married Susan Jeffers.
Jeremy nominated Charlie Worcester as the best horse he'd ridden.
Jeremy nominated Charlie Worcester as the best horse he'd ridden.
He rode for a short time for Captain Ryan Price during which time he lived at 1, North End Cottages, Findon.
He rode for a short time for Captain Ryan Price during which time he lived at 1, North End Cottages, Findon.
Jeremy's interests included skiing, contemporary history and hunting.
Jeremy's interests included skiing, contemporary history and hunting.
Jeremy Speid-Soote died in August 2021 aged 80.
Jeremy Speid-Soote died in August 2021 aged 80.