John Watts (1861-1902) Jockey Pastel Watercolour Caricature Portrait by Nap
$1,800
Art Sz: 14"H x 7"W
Frame Sz: 20 3/4"H x 13 3/4"W
Medium: watercolour and bodycolour on paper
John Watts (1861–1902) was a British flat-race jockey. In a career that lasted from 1880 until 1900 he rode the winners of 19 Classics. He was noted for his quiet and unspectacular style and undemonstrative personality. On his retirement from riding he became a trainer, but died two years later.
Major successes
Watts caricatured in Vanity Fair, 1887
Marsh's patrons included the King Edward VII and the Duke of Hamilton, providing Watts with a string of top class rides. His major winners for the Duke included Ossian (St Leger) and Miss Jummy (1000 Guineas, Oaks), while the Prince provided him with probably his best horse, the Derby winner Persimmon. Watts was less fortunate with the Prince's second Derby winner, Diamond Jubilee, who loathed the jockey and tried to attack him before the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. Watts subsequently gave up the ride on the temperamental colt.
Watts was also successful when riding for other owners and trainers including Mathew Dawson and John Porter for whom he rode the Derby winners Ladas and Sainfoin respectively.