Alexander Goodman was a gentleman steeplechase rider. He entered his first steeplechase race in 1840 at the age of 18, going on to win the Grand National for the first time in 1852 at the age of 30 on the horse Miss Mowbray. He repeated his win 14 years later in 1866 on Salamander. He competed in countless races across the country and notched up many 2nd and 3rd places over the years being described as a 'bold and fearless rider'.
Goodman was born at Upwell but lived in Thorney at Willow Hall where he ran a successful farm. It was said that he learnt to ride on the fields of his farm which benefitted from long stretches of flat ground. He was well respected in the Thorney community, but his life was not without scandal. In 1845 at the age of 23 he appeared before Peterborough Magistrates accused of assaulting several members of staff at Wansford Railway Station. The accusation was proved and he was fined £5 for each assault. He was also accused of assaulting his 18-year-old servant Caroline Chambers with his son, also called Alexander in 1871. The case went to trial in Whittlesey but was dismissed when the alleged victim refused to attend court.
He had several children with his wife Mary Ann, but tragedy struck in 1862 when she died aged 31. A few days after her burial in Thorney Abbey, their daughter, also called Mary Ann, was christened. It would appear that his wife had died during or shortly after the birth of their daughter, her name living on in their baby.
He left Thorney in 1879, moving to returning for his burial in 1904. He died in Bournemouth and was returned to Thorney via a steam train to Peterborough and a hearse to Thorney Abbey. He was buried in his family vault with his parents, wife and several children. Four of his five surviving children attended his funeral along with local dignitaries.
References:
'The Late Mr Alec Goodman', Sheffield Daily Times, 22 September 1904, p. 12.
Eastern Daily Press, 26 September 1904, p. 3.
'Funeral of Mr Alec Goodman', Peterborough Standard, 1 October 1904, p. 7.
Cambridge Independent Press, 23 September 1871, p. 6.
Stamford Mercury, 12 December 1845, p. 4.
'Death of Oldest Amateur Jockey', Nottingham Evening post, 19 September 1904, p. 6.
Freereg
Image by Jaclou-dl from Pixabay
