Arthur Nightingall
(1868 -1944)
(1868 -1944)
Arthur Nightingall, who was born at South Hatch on 1st August 1868, succeeded John Jones at Priam Lodge, Epsom in 1895.
Arthur Nightingall, who was born at South Hatch on 1st August 1868, succeeded John Jones at Priam Lodge, Epsom in 1895.
Racing Illustrated, in the January 1896 edition, records,
Racing Illustrated, in the January 1896 edition, records,
'As a horseman Arthur Nightingall has acquired very great and thoroughly deserved reputation. In France and Germany, as well as his own country, he is looked upon as a great master of his art.'
'As a horseman Arthur Nightingall has acquired very great and thoroughly deserved reputation. In France and Germany, as well as his own country, he is looked upon as a great master of his art.'
Arthur Nightingall, in his book My Racing Adventures states,
Arthur Nightingall, in his book My Racing Adventures states,
'Riding, as alleged, runs in families, and it certainly seems to have been running very freely in mine for a long time past. We have cultivated a fine natural taste for jockeyship.'
'Riding, as alleged, runs in families, and it certainly seems to have been running very freely in mine for a long time past. We have cultivated a fine natural taste for jockeyship.'
Arthur Nightingall rode in fifteen Grand Nationals, riding three winners, a second, and four thirds. He also rode the winner of the Scottish Grand National. Arthur rode the first of his three Grand National winners on Ilex. He had ridden the horse to a comfortable victory in a Hunter Chase at Leicester, and recommended to the owner, Mr. G. Masterman, that he sent the horse to his father, John Nightingall at Epsom. Eighteen months later the partnership won the Grand National. In Ilex’s final gallop Arthur rode him for four miles around the Nightingall’s private racecourse at Walton Heath, and reported him as “a certainty.”
Arthur Nightingall rode in fifteen Grand Nationals, riding three winners, a second, and four thirds. He also rode the winner of the Scottish Grand National. Arthur rode the first of his three Grand National winners on Ilex. He had ridden the horse to a comfortable victory in a Hunter Chase at Leicester, and recommended to the owner, Mr. G. Masterman, that he sent the horse to his father, John Nightingall at Epsom. Eighteen months later the partnership won the Grand National. In Ilex’s final gallop Arthur rode him for four miles around the Nightingall’s private racecourse at Walton Heath, and reported him as “a certainty.”
In 1893 Arthur moved to Heath House, and was training eight horses there that year, while still riding. His second Grand National success came in 1894, riding Captain C. Fenwick’s Why Not, who carried 11st.13lb. The Daily Telegraph recorded,
In 1893 Arthur moved to Heath House, and was training eight horses there that year, while still riding. His second Grand National success came in 1894, riding Captain C. Fenwick’s Why Not, who carried 11st.13lb. The Daily Telegraph recorded,
'..That the result of a punishing race was in favour of Why Not was due entirely to the jockeyship of Arthur Nightingall.
'..That the result of a punishing race was in favour of Why Not was due entirely to the jockeyship of Arthur Nightingall.
Arthur’s third success came in 1901 on Grudon. The snow was so deep that the race was in doubt. Only five of the original twenty-four starters finished.
Arthur’s third success came in 1901 on Grudon. The snow was so deep that the race was in doubt. Only five of the original twenty-four starters finished.
Arthur Nightingall subsequently summed up his career -
Arthur Nightingall subsequently summed up his career -
Not being satisfied with being actively employed as a steeplechase jockey which is occupation enough for three men until they are killed, I began to train racehorses, chiefly jumpers towards the back end of 1892.
Not being satisfied with being actively employed as a steeplechase jockey which is occupation enough for three men until they are killed, I began to train racehorses, chiefly jumpers towards the back end of 1892.
I commenced to train racehorses in the stables formerly occupied by Robert l’Anson at Burgh Heath near Epsom. I had the great honour of training for His Majesty the King. On account of increased patronage and a larger number of horses, I was obliged to move to Priam Lodge, at one time I had no fewer than thirty-two jumpers. What amount of hard work that means for a man who is both a trainer and jockey.
I commenced to train racehorses in the stables formerly occupied by Robert l’Anson at Burgh Heath near Epsom. I had the great honour of training for His Majesty the King. On account of increased patronage and a larger number of horses, I was obliged to move to Priam Lodge, at one time I had no fewer than thirty-two jumpers. What amount of hard work that means for a man who is both a trainer and jockey.
He died on October 15 1944, and his ashes were scattered on Epsom racecourse.
He died on October 15 1944, and his ashes were scattered on Epsom racecourse.
Best Wins
Best Wins
1887: Great Metropolitan Chase - Ballot Box
1887: Great Metropolitan Chase - Ballot Box
1888: Jubilee Hurdle - Dan Dancer
1888: Jubilee Hurdle - Dan Dancer
1890: Grand International Chase -M.P.
1890: Grand International Chase -M.P.
1890: Grand National - Ilex
1890: Grand National - Ilex
1890: Liverpool Hurdle - Toscano
1890: Liverpool Hurdle - Toscano
1893: Grand Sefton - Why Not
1893: Grand Sefton - Why Not
1893: Stanley Chase - Marcellus
1893: Stanley Chase - Marcellus
1894: Scottish Grand National - Leybourne
1894: Scottish Grand National - Leybourne
1894: Grand National - Why Not
1894: Grand National - Why Not
1898: Jubilee Hurdle - Regret
1898: Jubilee Hurdle - Regret
1899: Jubilee Hurdle - Queen of the Plains
1899: Jubilee Hurdle - Queen of the Plains
1900: Great Sandown Hurdle - Spook
1900: Great Sandown Hurdle - Spook
1901: Great Sandown Hurdle - Goldfinder
1901: Great Sandown Hurdle - Goldfinder
1901: Grand National - Grudon
1901: Grand National - Grudon