John Straker
1917 - 1970
1917 - 1970
John Joicey Straker was born in Northumberland on April 30, 1917, and was the son of Major Ian Straker (1888-1970) who rode 31 winners as an amateur.
John Joicey Straker was born in Northumberland on April 30, 1917, and was the son of Major Ian Straker (1888-1970) who rode 31 winners as an amateur.
John rode many winners as an amateur including Ballyhartfield in the 1949 Foxhunters' at Aintree (the only horse to finish without falling).
John rode many winners as an amateur including Ballyhartfield in the 1949 Foxhunters' at Aintree (the only horse to finish without falling).
He rode four times in the National, finishing sixth on his own mare, Gentle Moya.
He rode four times in the National, finishing sixth on his own mare, Gentle Moya.
At Perth, in 1960, riding Much Improved, John broke his neck and was paralysed.
At Perth, in 1960, riding Much Improved, John broke his neck and was paralysed.
John's brother, Clive, (1926-1980) rode 108 winners.
John's brother, Clive, (1926-1980) rode 108 winners.
John Straker died on July 29, 1970. He left £207,863.
John Straker died on July 29, 1970. He left £207,863.
Best wins:
Best wins:
1948: Lancashire Chase - Bronze Arrow
1948: Lancashire Chase - Bronze Arrow
1949: Liverpool Foxhunters' - Ballyhartfield
1949: Liverpool Foxhunters' - Ballyhartfield
1954: Eider Chase - Gentle Moya
1954: Eider Chase - Gentle Moya