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1862 - 1922
1862 - 1922
Born in 1862, amateur rider Thomas Joseph Widger rode mainly in Ireland but nonetheless amassed a total of 40 wins in Britain, the first of them a match race at Cheltenham on March 15, 1882, making his first ride in Britain a winning one.
Born in 1862, amateur rider Thomas Joseph Widger rode mainly in Ireland but nonetheless amassed a total of 40 wins in Britain, the first of them a match race at Cheltenham on March 15, 1882, making his first ride in Britain a winning one.
He rode in four Grand Nationals, faring best on his first attempt in 1883 when finishing fourth on Colonel Lloyd’s nine-year-old grey Downpatrick. The following year he completed the course last of the seven finishers on 20/1 chance Black Prince. He fell on both his other Grand National mounts, 8/1 joint second-favourite Waterford in 1896 and 40/1 shot St George in 1898.
He rode in four Grand Nationals, faring best on his first attempt in 1883 when finishing fourth on Colonel Lloyd’s nine-year-old grey Downpatrick. The following year he completed the course last of the seven finishers on 20/1 chance Black Prince. He fell on both his other Grand National mounts, 8/1 joint second-favourite Waterford in 1896 and 40/1 shot St George in 1898.
He was twice placed in the Grand Sefton Chase over the Grand National fences, finishing third on Dog Fox in 1884 and second, beaten two lengths, on Miss Anthony in 1895.
He was twice placed in the Grand Sefton Chase over the Grand National fences, finishing third on Dog Fox in 1884 and second, beaten two lengths, on Miss Anthony in 1895.
His best years numerically were in 1897 and 1899 with seven winners apiece. He achieved his greatest success in Britain on 20/1 outsider Hawkwood in the 1897 Grand International Hurdle at Gatwick. The following week he rode the 5/2 favourite Miss Battle in the prestigious National Hunt Chase, held that year at Newmarket, but they could only finish a distant third.
His best years numerically were in 1897 and 1899 with seven winners apiece. He achieved his greatest success in Britain on 20/1 outsider Hawkwood in the 1897 Grand International Hurdle at Gatwick. The following week he rode the 5/2 favourite Miss Battle in the prestigious National Hunt Chase, held that year at Newmarket, but they could only finish a distant third.
Thomas rode his last British winner on Arkwright, the outsider of three, in a National Hunt Flat Race at Manchester on New Year’s Day 1901. His final mount in Britain was also in a National Hunt Flat Race, this time at Hamilton Park on June 28, 1902, finishing second on Lord Abbot.
Thomas rode his last British winner on Arkwright, the outsider of three, in a National Hunt Flat Race at Manchester on New Year’s Day 1901. His final mount in Britain was also in a National Hunt Flat Race, this time at Hamilton Park on June 28, 1902, finishing second on Lord Abbot.
Thomas Widger died in County Waterford on October 26, 1922, aged 60.
Thomas Widger died in County Waterford on October 26, 1922, aged 60.
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