Jockeys - W - George Waddington

George Waddington

1837 - 1919

George was born in Bilton, not far from Harrogate, in 1837, and, as a boy, gained employment at Mr Dawson's Middleham stables.

Aged just 14, the precocious youngster won two races at Harrogate Racecourse, sited at Harrogate Stray (October 9. 1852). Both winners. Luxurious and Florence, started favourite, reflecting the public's confidence in George's skills.

On Tuedsay, July 29, 1852, George won his first big race when The Red Lion beat six others - including stablemate Lindrick - to land the Cumberland Cup at Carlisle.

He continued to successfully ride on the Flat until increasing weight determined his future over the jumps. George, who had been a top-class jockey, raced for the last time on the Flat in 1882.

He readily took to the new challenge: 'I love the 'chase,' he once said.

George rode without success in 13 Grand Nationals.

His best effort came in 1871 when, riding Despatch, he finished second to The Lamb, ridden by the brilliant amateur Mr Thomas. The following year he rode the same horse into third place. Despatch's owner was a Mr Studd, for whom, at Tedworth House, Marlborough, George would train and ride. In 1873, Mr Studd gave George a present of £1,000 'in consideration of your honesty towards me.'

Complete list of Georges's 13 attempts to win the Grand National

Liverpool: Wednesday November 6 1867

Sandown: Tuesday December 6, 1881

Warwick: Thursday November 23 1882. George Waddington wins the Leamington Grand Annual on Cock Robin

George won the 1868 Scottish Grand National on Greenland, having finished runner-up on Brilliant to Governor in 1865 when the race was known as The West of Scotland Grand National. Both Brilliant and Governor carried a staggering 13st 5lbs.

Sadly, at the end of his day, George - who had more than once stated that he dreaded finishing up in the work-house - lived in very reduced circumstances, and an appeal - highlighting his plight - was published in the press in March 1919.

Less than five months later, on Friday, August 1, 1919, George died. He was 82.

George Waddington's best wins included:

1852: Cumberland Cup - The Red Lion

1860: Birmingham Grand Annual - Joe Marley

1864: Liverpool Autumn Chase - Creole

1867: Grand Sefton - Meanwood

1868: Scottish Grand National - Greenland

1881: The Prince of Wales's Steeplechase - Montauban

1882: Leamington Grand Annual - Cock Robin