John Barham Day

John Barham Day (1793–1860) was a British jockey and trainer. For much of his career he was usually known simply as John Day; when his son of the same name rose to prominence, the older man was referred to as John Barham Day, John Day, Sr. or Old John Day. A member of a highly successful racing family, Day first made his name as a jockey in the 1820s and rode the winners of sixteen classics before retiring. In the mid-1830s he set up as a trainer of racehorses at Danebury near Stockbridge. He established a reputation as a shrewd and skillful handler of horses and specialised in landing betting coups. Horses trained by Day won seven classics between 1838 and 1854, during which time he was regarded as the leading trainer in the South of England and the main rival of the Yorkshire-based John Scott. He was known as "Honest John", but the sobriquet appears to have been applied ironically.^[2]

Background

Day was born in 1793 at Houghton Down in Hampshire, the son of a horse trainer named John Day: Barham was his mother's maiden name.^[3] Four of Day's brothers became jockeys, including Samuel Day (1802–1866) who rode three winners of The Derby.

Riding career

Day began his career as a jockey when in his mid-teens, but had limited success until he was over thirty. In the mid-1820s he attracted the attention of the

Even by the standards of the time, Day was a small, light jockey and was able to ride at weights as low as seven stones until the end of his career. He was known for his skill and tactical awareness but was never considered a stylish rider and lacked the strength of heavier jockeys. He was also known to bet heavily and gained a reputation for being less than trustworthy.^[3]

Training career

In 1835, Day, whilst continuing his career as a jockey, took up training at Danebury, a few miles from

In 1847 Day left Danebury to become the private trainer to Henry Padwick at Michel Grove near Findon in West Sussex.^[2] For Padwick, Day trained Virago, whom he considered the best horse he ever handled. Day deliberately prevented the filly from showing her true form in order to secure a light weight in handicap races, and then landed a huge betting coup when the filly captured the Great Metropolitan Handicap and the City and Suburban Handicap on the same day at Epsom in 1854. The relationship with Padwick ended in the following year when the owner was unhappy with the preparation given to his colt St Hubert, the beaten favourite for the 2000 Guineas. The winner of the race was trained by Day's son and Padwick suspected collusion between the family members.^[3]

Day retired from training after the breakdown of his relationship with Padwick and died five years later, on 21 March 1860.

Family and legacy

Day had twelve children with his first wife,

Whilst training at Michel Grove, Day took on an apprentice named John Porter who went on to become one of the most successful British trainers of the late 19th century.^[5]

References