The four season career of jump jockey John Patrick (Jack) Yates was closely linked to Huntingdon racecourse. It was there that he had his first ride when Beata Beatrix was unplaced in the Montagu Handicap Hurdle on October 23, 1948.
It was also at Huntingdon that he had his only win when C.D. was successful in the Godmanchester Chase on Easter Monday, April 18, 1949. The six-year-old was usually ridden by his owner/trainer Jack Nicholls, but the experienced George Slack had been in the saddle twice that season, and it was he who filled second place this time on Fair Kop II, while Jack Yates, aboard C.D. for the first time, won by two lengths.
There was another opportunity for Jack and C.D. to shine at Huntingdon six weeks later on Whit Monday, but they were beaten a length in the Alconbury Selling Handicap Chase by Bon Nuit, the mount of George Slack.
Jack’s final ride was at Market Rasen on March 8, 1952, when Cassian was unplaced in the Stayer’s Handicap Hurdle.