Reginald Stokes
1890 - 1938
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Because of World War 1 disruptions to French and British racing, many British and international jockeys relocated to neutral Spain (e.g., at tracks like San Sebastián/Lasarte) where racing continued, and prestigious events like the Gran Premio de San Sebastián drew top talent. Reginald Walter Stokes, born at Heavitree in Devon, was among their number, and it was on July 2, 1916, that he rode Teddy to victory in that race.
Because of World War 1 disruptions to French and British racing, many British and international jockeys relocated to neutral Spain (e.g., at tracks like San Sebastián/Lasarte) where racing continued, and prestigious events like the Gran Premio de San Sebastián drew top talent. Reginald Walter Stokes, born at Heavitree in Devon, was among their number, and it was on July 2, 1916, that he rode Teddy to victory in that race.
It was the inaugural running of the 2,000m event, which took place at at Hipódromo de Lasarte (San Sebastián, Spain). It served as a wartime substitute for the French Grand Prix (suspended due to track closures). Teddy won handily in front of King Alfonso XIII and a large crowd. The purse was 70,000 pesetas (~$14,000 equivalent then). He carried a light weight (around 49 kg in some reports) and triumphed over a field of 25, beating stablemate Spirt (2nd) and W.K. Vanderbilt's Meigs (3rd). Contemporary accounts (e.g., New York Times) describe it as a comfortable victory.
In 1918, Reginald became Spain's champion jockey.
Lasarte Hippodrome in the 1920s
Reginald's first winner was Mine D'or at Derby on November 18, 1910.
Ignition wins the 1911 Goodwood Plate
Reginald and Ignition
Reginald's second big winner came in the 1914 Lincoln Handicap: Outram won by two lengths from Cuthbert (on the rails) with Short Grass, Prevoyant & Mediator close behind. The field had 22 runners. It was considered a fairly competitive renewal, but Outram's victory at long odds made it a notable upset. Outram's success drew attention internationally; he was entered to defend his title in the 1915 Lincolnshire Handicap (though he did not win it—View Law took that year's race). By 1916, reports noted he was sold cheaply (for 35 guineas) but was still regarded as potentially capable despite his age. This race occurred just months before the outbreak of World War I, which later disrupted racing (the event was not held in 1917–1918).
Outram being led back.
The 1914 Prince Edward Handicap was a notable handicap race run at Manchester Racecourse (at the Castle Irwell / New Barns venue) on Saturday, September 5. This came just weeks after the outbreak of World War I in late July/early August 1914, so the event unfolded against a backdrop of national crisis, with racing continuing in Britain but under subdued conditions, reduced crowds, and many in the industry soon affected by military service. Bowman and Reginald won the race. Bowman was a chestnut horse, aged 5 years, carrying 7st 4lb.
The 1921 Royal Hunt Cup was run on Wednesday, June 15, 1921, with 50-1 outside Illuminator providing the biggest shock of the meeting. Illuminator produced a strong late surge to win convincingly. He beat Glanmerin (owned by Lord Londonderry) into second place, with Beauregard third.
Sadly, on December 6, 1938, he committed suicide by poisoning himself with Lysol: aged 48, he died in Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge.
Sadly, on December 6, 1938, he committed suicide by poisoning himself with Lysol: aged 48, he died in Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge.
He left his older jockey brother Henry Stokes (1880-1942) £707 in his will.
He left his older jockey brother Henry Stokes (1880-1942) £707 in his will.
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