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John Steel
John Steel
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
John Kenneth Steel was a jockey whose career was compromised by the closing down of National Hunt racing during the Second World War. However, he did return and rode a winner.
John Kenneth Steel was a jockey whose career was compromised by the closing down of National Hunt racing during the Second World War. However, he did return and rode a winner.
His first ride was at Worcester on November 29, 1941, when he pulled up Chesterton in the Strensham Handicap Chase. He also had a ride in that year’s Gloucestershire Hurdle (known today as the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle) at the Cheltenham National Hunt meeting on March 14, but his mount, Rubina, was a faller.
His first ride was at Worcester on November 29, 1941, when he pulled up Chesterton in the Strensham Handicap Chase. He also had a ride in that year’s Gloucestershire Hurdle (known today as the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle) at the Cheltenham National Hunt meeting on March 14, but his mount, Rubina, was a faller.
He returned to action in June 1946, but then had to wait until October 9, 1947 for his sole victory. It came at Stratford when 6-4 favourite Mr Justice, trained by Charlie Kelly, beat four rivals to take the Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2), beating Cecil Harrison on Asia Commands by six lengths, with Billy Balfe a distant third on Husky. John kept the ride for two subsequent unplaced efforts.
He returned to action in June 1946, but then had to wait until October 9, 1947 for his sole victory. It came at Stratford when 6-4 favourite Mr Justice, trained by Charlie Kelly, beat four rivals to take the Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2), beating Cecil Harrison on Asia Commands by six lengths, with Billy Balfe a distant third on Husky. John kept the ride for two subsequent unplaced efforts.
His final mount was in one of the season’s major races, the Lancashire Chase at Manchester, on Easter Monday, March 29, 1948, when finishing last of the seven runners on Lord Pleasant.
His final mount was in one of the season’s major races, the Lancashire Chase at Manchester, on Easter Monday, March 29, 1948, when finishing last of the seven runners on Lord Pleasant.
Mr Justice was John Steel's only winner
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