Richard Sherrard

Richard Sherrard

1838 -1912

Born in Bridge, Kent in 1838, Richard George Sherrard twice rode in the Grand National. He failed to finish on Longrange in 1861, but the following year he finished fourth on Xanthus behind the top-weighted Huntsman.

There was a delay of almost half an hour before the runners were sent on the way for that 1862 Grand National. Xanthus was soon prominent and headed the field to the Chair, where Playman fell, bringing down Willoughby and O’Connell. Sadly, O’Connell’s rider, Joseph Wynne, suffered serious internal injuries in the fall and died later that night without regaining consciousness. Thankfully, he remains the only jockey to lose his life in the Grand National. 

The front-running Xanthus had already run in four Grand Nationals, finishing third in 1858, falling in 1859, third again in 1860, then last of five finishers in 1861. Previously owned by Mr W. G. Craven, he had been bought by Lord Sefton following the 1861 Grand National and ran in his colours for the first time when finishing fourth under Richard Sherrard the following year. 

Richard Sherrard died on 29 March 1912. He left £215.