John Norman
1820 - 1886
1820 - 1886
John Norman began life as a post-boy in Burghley, the seat of the Marquis of Exeter, near Stamford and was forever referred to as ‘Post-boy’. He began his racing career at Mr Harlock’s stables at Newmarket. His progress was such that he started riding for Lord Exeter and eventually became his first jockey. His greatest victories came when he rode Stockwell to win the 1852 Two Thousand Guineas and St Leger. He only finished eighth in the Derby, but the horse was reportedly suffering from dental problems.
John Norman began life as a post-boy in Burghley, the seat of the Marquis of Exeter, near Stamford and was forever referred to as ‘Post-boy’. He began his racing career at Mr Harlock’s stables at Newmarket. His progress was such that he started riding for Lord Exeter and eventually became his first jockey. His greatest victories came when he rode Stockwell to win the 1852 Two Thousand Guineas and St Leger. He only finished eighth in the Derby, but the horse was reportedly suffering from dental problems.
The following year, 1853, he went to stay at Burghley House for the Stamford meeting. Having won two classics the year before, the housekeeper made a great fuss of him, making a beef-steak pudding. After dinner, she said to him “Mr Norman, would you like to take a little dessert?' The jockey, not used to such luxuries, was momentarily confused and replied “Than you – I don’t mind if I do. Please fetch the beef-steak pudding back.”
The following year, 1853, he went to stay at Burghley House for the Stamford meeting. Having won two classics the year before, the housekeeper made a great fuss of him, making a beef-steak pudding. After dinner, she said to him “Mr Norman, would you like to take a little dessert?' The jockey, not used to such luxuries, was momentarily confused and replied “Than you – I don’t mind if I do. Please fetch the beef-steak pudding back.”
He was also on board Oaks winner Regalia.
He was also on board Oaks winner Regalia.
Norman was an excellent walker, and wore many layers of sweaters when he was wasting. He would often go out after ten o’clock at night in order to lose three or four pounds to ride a trial the next morning, a part of the sport he excelled at.
Norman was an excellent walker, and wore many layers of sweaters when he was wasting. He would often go out after ten o’clock at night in order to lose three or four pounds to ride a trial the next morning, a part of the sport he excelled at.
Out walking with his friend, jockey Henry Custance, he would call at Bob Union’s. at Dullingham and have three parts of a pint of beer. He would then continue his journey going the long way round, some three or four miles further than his friend before turning up at the course the next day as fresh as paint. Norman walked and sweated every day whether he had a ride or not and seemed thoroughly to enjoy it.
Out walking with his friend, jockey Henry Custance, he would call at Bob Union’s. at Dullingham and have three parts of a pint of beer. He would then continue his journey going the long way round, some three or four miles further than his friend before turning up at the course the next day as fresh as paint. Norman walked and sweated every day whether he had a ride or not and seemed thoroughly to enjoy it.
He finished his days strapping horses for a few shillings a week, and, on February 2, 1886, aged 65, he died in poverty. He was buried at Newmarket Cemetery on February 5th 1886
He finished his days strapping horses for a few shillings a week, and, on February 2, 1886, aged 65, he died in poverty. He was buried at Newmarket Cemetery on February 5th 1886
'The very incarnation of ugliness!’ Thus was Stockwell described. The horse had a plain head, a slight Roman nose and hindquarters like a carthorse. He also has a terrible temperament. This did not stop him winning two classics and, at stud, becoming champion sire on seven occasions. Stockwell died aged 21 after an accident in the breeding shed.
'The very incarnation of ugliness!’ Thus was Stockwell described. The horse had a plain head, a slight Roman nose and hindquarters like a carthorse. He also has a terrible temperament. This did not stop him winning two classics and, at stud, becoming champion sire on seven occasions. Stockwell died aged 21 after an accident in the breeding shed.
John Norman came from Lower Caldecote, Northill, Bedfordshire.
John Norman came from Lower Caldecote, Northill, Bedfordshire.
His wife died on May 14, 1873
His wife died on May 14, 1873