James Woodburn 1890 by Sir Leslie Ward (SOLD)

Classic Vanity Fair colour plate of jockey, James Woodburn in coral racing silks by "Spy" aka Sir Leslie Ward pub. June 21, 1890

Print Sz: 13 3/4"H x 8 1/2"W

Frame Sz: 19"H x 14"W

w/ turf green mat & gilt bamboo frame

James Woodburn

1863-1919

Born at York on September 20, 1863, James began life as a doctor’s errand boy but, wanting to become a jockey, he ran away from home. Covering the 13 miles on foot, he arrived at the Hambleton stables of Mr Sanderson, who took an instant liking to the runaway. Woodburn rode his first winner for the stable on Hagioscope (carrying 6 stone 3 lbs) in 1881, beating Othello in the Thirsk Handicap.

A steady stream of winners ensued, including the Lincoln Handicap (twice, on Fulmen, 1886, & Lord George, 1891) and the Ebor in 1891 on Buccaneer. In 1889, he won the Stewards' Cup on Dog Rose & the Liverpool Autumn Cup on Philomel. His classic wins came in the 1889 Oaks on L’Abesse de Jouarre and, in the same year, on Minthe in the One Thousand Guineas. He rode his final winner on Lady MacGregor at Birmingham in 1900.

James, who stood at 5 ft 1 & a half inches tall, was a keen fox-hunter, and was often seen out with the York and Ainsty. He was the brother-in-law to Fred Barrett, each of the jockeys having married a daughter of James Goater, the trainer.