Charles Arthur Thorpe was born in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois in August 1862.
He left America to ride in France, where he achieved a good measure of success, winning the 1903 Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) on Ex Voto (bottom).
He also had a few rides in Britain and won the 1901 Wokingham on 33/1 shot Rose Tree.
Charles was married three times and was at one time a wealthy man but ended up losing it all.
Returning to America, he became a bartender.
He died on February 11, 1916, aged 53, in Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska.