William Vevers
William Vevers, the son of John Vevers of Yarkhill Court, Herefordshire, was born in 1782 and, when steeplechasing came into fashion, quickly established himself as a rider of above ability.
William Vevers, the son of John Vevers of Yarkhill Court, Herefordshire, was born in 1782 and, when steeplechasing came into fashion, quickly established himself as a rider of above ability.
His first winner came in 1834: then aged 52, he won Cheltenham’s Rose Steeplechase on Sailor Boy, his own horse, despite taking a heavy fall during its running.
His first winner came in 1834: then aged 52, he won Cheltenham’s Rose Steeplechase on Sailor Boy, his own horse, despite taking a heavy fall during its running.
William, who lived at Donnington Court in Herefordshire, owned several horses, including the mare Charity, which he had purchased from Mr Williams of Cowran Court, who had run her in one or two steeplechases without success.
William, who lived at Donnington Court in Herefordshire, owned several horses, including the mare Charity, which he had purchased from Mr Williams of Cowran Court, who had run her in one or two steeplechases without success.
In the hands of her new owner, however, the mare flourished
In the hands of her new owner, however, the mare flourished
Together they won the Usk Stakes and Hurdle Race at Cardiff before success in the 1836 Hurdle Race at Monmouth: in 1838 at Hereford, they won the Aberystwyth Hurdle Race, the Farmers’ Plate, the Hunting Stakes and the Hurdle Race all in the same afternoon. The following season they again took the Hunters’ stakes and Hurdle Race at the same meeting. They also, this year, won the Broadway and Alcester.
Together they won the Usk Stakes and Hurdle Race at Cardiff before success in the 1836 Hurdle Race at Monmouth: in 1838 at Hereford, they won the Aberystwyth Hurdle Race, the Farmers’ Plate, the Hunting Stakes and the Hurdle Race all in the same afternoon. The following season they again took the Hunters’ stakes and Hurdle Race at the same meeting. They also, this year, won the Broadway and Alcester.
Then a reversal: running in the first-ever Grand National in 1839, Charity was badly frightened at The Wall when coming down, giving William a bad fall. The mare then completely lost her form until returning to Liverpool in 1841. Starting at 14-1, and ridden by Mr Powell, she recovered her former form to win the Grand National by a length from Cigar and Peter Simple. Charity had been ‘nominated’ for the race and carried the colours of Lord Craven (though William retained a share of the horse).
Then a reversal: running in the first-ever Grand National in 1839, Charity was badly frightened at The Wall when coming down, giving William a bad fall. The mare then completely lost her form until returning to Liverpool in 1841. Starting at 14-1, and ridden by Mr Powell, she recovered her former form to win the Grand National by a length from Cigar and Peter Simple. Charity had been ‘nominated’ for the race and carried the colours of Lord Craven (though William retained a share of the horse).
In 1846, William finished second in the Grand Paris Steeplechase to Mr Tilbury’s Culverthorpe when riding his own horse, the diminutive Little Tommy. This was the same horse on which William had won a steeplechase organised by Monmouthshire and Herefordshire Hunt: William rode as representative of the latter county.
In 1846, William finished second in the Grand Paris Steeplechase to Mr Tilbury’s Culverthorpe when riding his own horse, the diminutive Little Tommy. This was the same horse on which William had won a steeplechase organised by Monmouthshire and Herefordshire Hunt: William rode as representative of the latter county.
As a token of gratitude ‘for the spirited manner in which he upheld the pre-eminence of his native county in the contest between the members of the Herefordshire and Monmouthshire Hunts at their steeplechase on February 27, 1845’ William was presented with a service of plate.
As a token of gratitude ‘for the spirited manner in which he upheld the pre-eminence of his native county in the contest between the members of the Herefordshire and Monmouthshire Hunts at their steeplechase on February 27, 1845’ William was presented with a service of plate.
Aged 67, William rode for the last time in 1849: astride his own horse, Vengeance, at Ledbury, he stormed clear on the run-in for a memorable final victory.
Aged 67, William rode for the last time in 1849: astride his own horse, Vengeance, at Ledbury, he stormed clear on the run-in for a memorable final victory.
It’s worth mentioning as a historic footnote that George Stevens - rider of five Grand National winners - made his début as a jockey when aged 16, riding William’s Volatile at Slough. George rode for William on numerous occasions afterwards, only leaving when William retired.
It’s worth mentioning as a historic footnote that George Stevens - rider of five Grand National winners - made his début as a jockey when aged 16, riding William’s Volatile at Slough. George rode for William on numerous occasions afterwards, only leaving when William retired.
As a younger man, William was keen on coursing, breeding his own dogs. He was also an enthusiastic angler.
As a younger man, William was keen on coursing, breeding his own dogs. He was also an enthusiastic angler.
After a long illness, William Vevers died on Friday, 23 April 1858.
After a long illness, William Vevers died on Friday, 23 April 1858.