Elvis

[DJHawkes]

You're good with all things horse and jockey, do you know where I could find out about a 'horse jumping' person who found fame in the sport in the late 1800s? He possibly was in the grand national. I'm not sure if a jockey or a trainer. I've checked winners from that era and he wasn't a winner.

[ELVIS68]

Can you narrow it down a bit, anything else to go on?

[DJHawkes]

well he was called John Taylor and he was from Ormskirk in Lancashire. born around 1850.

[ELVIS68]

The only thing I've found with that name is this...

Treat Day probably originated from an annual event held at New Way Farm in the late 1860s by farmer John Taylor (whose nickname for reasons lost in the mists of time was “Shammock”) This popular celebration was known locally as “Shammock’s Do” and the day consisted of the showing of prize horses, dancing to a brass band and, to enhance the festivities, the consumption of local ale brought in barrels on carts to the farm! The popularity of this event probably led the Vicar at the time, the Rev G W Wall to form a School Treat Committee and the event soon became established in the area. The whole of the Parish became involved in the festivities, with ploughing matches, horse races and many other sporting contests taking place. - See more at: http://www.ormskirk.gb.com/ormskirk/news_list/A_Treat_for_Bickerstaffe!-50510382.htm#sthash.WBqHiXHN.dpuf

[DJHawkes]

thanks, that's an interesting piece but not sure it's the right John Taylor, this one was referred to in a diary written in 1941 and referring bacl 60 years as 'he of Horse Jumping Fame' and the place the man referred to lived in Ormskirk led to me finding it was the same John Taylor that lived in the house that once stood where I grew up.......if that makes sense lol

[ELVIS68]

I've searched the name in a few Racing sites and nothings came up, If I find anything I'll let you know

[DJHawkes]

ok thanks for looking, there is a picture of him on a thoroughbred horse in Ormskirk on market day taken about 1900, the horse has a racing coat on and it's possible the horse was from Lord Derby's stables,

[ELVIS68]

Don't suppose you know the name of the horse?

[DJHawkes]

lol no sorry, am i right in thinking that the term 'horse jumping' in 1900 would mean steeplechase?

[ELVIS68]

Yes unless they actually jumped horses!

[DJHawkes]

I mean it wouldn't have meant showjumping would it? especially if the rider was a farmers son.

[ELVIS68]

Could be, although steeplechasing is more likely to stem from a farming background